Arrangement and construction of crew protective device for automobile

ABSTRACT

A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle, which can prevent a pillar garnish from scattering when an air bag installed in a front pillar portion is expanded, is provided. An air bag  16  is housed within a space formed by a front pillar main body  38  and a pillar garnish  40  in a front pillar portion  20 . When the air bag  16  expands, the pillar garnish  40  is pressed by an expanding pressure of the air bag  16 , so that an opening for expanding the air bag  16  is formed between the front pillar main body  38  and the pillar garnish  40 , and the air bag  16  expands into a vehicle cabin through the opening. Since a non-expanding portion is formed at the air bag  16  and a hinge portion  46  is formed at the pillar garnish  40 , the expanding pressure applied to the pillar garnish  40  when the air bag  16  expand is low, so that the pillar garnish  40  can be easily opened through the hinge portion  46.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle whichexpands a bag, which is housed along a front pillar portion and a roofside rail portion in a folded state, toward an inner side of a vehiclecabin in a side portion of a vehicle body in a curtain manner by a gasinjected from an inflator at a time when a predetermined high load isapplied to the side portion of the vehicle body.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] There has been already proposed an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus which expands a bag, which is housed between a front pillarportion and a roof side rail portion in a folded manner along a windowglass in a curtain manner, so as to improve a protecting performance fora head portion of the vehicle occupant at a time when a predeterminedhigh load is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body. Astructure shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-227340which discloses an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus of this kindwill be described below.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 55, an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus 700is mainly structured by a sensor 702 for detecting a predetermined stateof application of high load to a side portion of a vehicle body, aninflator 704 operated by the high load application state detected by thesensor 702 and injecting a gas, and an elongated bag 712 arranged froman upper end portion of a front pillar 706 along a roof side rail 708and housed within a pillar garnish 710 of the front pillar 706 in afolded state. A front end portion of the bag 712 is connected to anupper end portion of the inflator 704, and a rear end portion of the bag712 is positioned at a front portion of a center pillar 714.

[0004] In accordance with the structure described above, when a sidecollision is detected by the sensor 702, the inflator 704 is operated soas to inject the gas. Accordingly, the injected gas is supplied to theinterior of the bag 712, and the pillar garnish 710 unfolds due to thean expanding pressure of the bag 712. As a result, the bag 712 which isexpanding in a curtain manner is interposed between the head portion ofthe vehicle occupant and the side surface of the vehicle cabin.

[0005] However, in the case of the vehicle occupant protecting apparatus700 mentioned above, there is the possibility that at a time when thebag 712 expands, the pillar garnish 710 of the front pillar 706 maybreak and be scattered, or the pillar garnish 710 may separate from thefront pillar 706 and scatter.

[0006] The present invention has been made by taking the facts mentionedabove into consideration, and an object of the present invention is toprovide a structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle which can prevent a pillar garnishof a pillar portion from scattering at a time when a bag is expanded.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a structure of arranging a vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle comprising:

[0008] an inflator disposed at a predetermined region of a vehicle bodyand jetting a gas at a time of a side collision;

[0009] a bag housed between a front pillar portion and a roof side railportion in a folded manner, and expanded in a curtain manner to beneaththe roof side rail portion within a vehicle cabin by the gas suppliedfrom said inflator;

[0010] a pillar garnish which is formed by a trim member disposed at avehicle cabin inner side of the front pillar portion, and which extendsout along a longitudinal direction of the front pillar portion so as tocover a portion of said bag housed in the front pillar portion, anopening for expansion of said bag being formed in said pillar garnish byan expanding pressure when said bag expands; and

[0011] scatter preventing means provided at at least one of said pillargarnish and said bag so as to prevent said pillar garnish fromscattering at a time when said bag expands.

[0012] In accordance with this aspect, when a side collision occurs, thegas jetted from the inflator. Accordingly, the bag housed between thefront pillar portion and the roof side rail portion in a folded stateexpands out to beneath the roof side rail portion within the vehiclecabin in a curtain manner. Therefore, the bag is interposed between theside portion of the vehicle body and the head portion of the vehicleoccupant, so that the head portion of the vehicle occupant is protected.

[0013] Here, in accordance with this aspect, since the scatterpreventing means is provided in at least one of the pillar garnish andthe bag, the pillar garnish is prevented from being scattered by anexpanding pressure at a time when the bag expands.

[0014] In accordance with a second aspect, in the first aspect, thescatter preventing means is a non-expanding portion of the bag which ispositioned at a region corresponding to the pillar garnish at a timewhen the bag expands.

[0015] In accordance with this aspect, in the bag, the non-expandingportion is provided at the region corresponding to the pillar garnish ata time when the bag expands. Therefore, the non-expanding portion ispositioned within the pillar garnish in a state in which the bag hasexpanded, and the portion at which the non-expanding portion is notprovided is positioned out of the pillar garnish as an expandingportion. Accordingly, a pressing load acting on the pillar garnish canbe reduced to the extent that the pressing load does not act on thepillar garnish from the non-expanding portion, in comparison with a caseof using a bag having no non-expanding portion. The pillar garnish canbe prevented from being scattered by reducing the pressing load.

[0016] In accordance with a third aspect, in the first aspect, thescatter preventing means is an unfolding portion which is provided atthe pillar garnish and is capable of unfolding such that an opening foran expansion of the bag is formed around an intermediate portion in awidthwise direction of the pillar garnish.

[0017] In accordance with this aspect, since the unfolding portioncapable of unfolding around the intermediate portion in the widthwisedirection of the pillar garnish is provided, the pillar garnish isunfolded around the intermediate portion in the widthwise directionthereof at a time when the bag expands. Accordingly, by forming thepillar garnish in advance to be capable of unfolding around theintermediate portion in the widthwise direction thereof, the operatingload against the pillar garnish due to the bag expanding pressure can beavoided, so that concentration of excess stress at the pillar garnish isprevented. The pillar garnish can be prevented from scattering bypreventing the concentration of excess stress.

[0018] In accordance with a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, theintermediate portion in the widthwise direction of the pillar garnish isa weakened portion.

[0019] In accordance with this aspect, since the weakened portion isprovided at the intermediate portion in the widthwise direction of thepillar garnish, the pillar garnish can be easily unfolded with theweakened portion as the starting point of unfolding.

[0020] In accordance with a fifth aspect, in the third aspect, theunfolding portion is made thinner than the other portions of the pillargarnish.

[0021] In accordance with this aspect, since the unfolding portion ismade thinner than the other portions of the pillar garnish, the rigidityof this thin portion is lower than that of the other portions.Accordingly, the thin portion can be elastically deformed with ease andunfolded.

[0022] In accordance with a sixth aspect, in the third aspect, saidpillar garnish is formed so as to include a base member, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin outer side, and an outer skin, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin inner side of the base member, and

[0023] the base member is formed by a resin which is softer at onewidthwise direction side of the pillar garnish widthwise directionintermediate portion than at the other widthwise direction side, the onewidthwise direction side is the unfolding portion.

[0024] In accordance with this aspect, the pillar garnish is formed soas to include the base member, which is positioned at a vehicle cabinouter side, and the outer skin, which is positioned at a vehicle cabininner side of the base member. Further, the portion positioned at onewidthwise direction side (the bag housing portion in the pillar garnish)of the intermediate portion in the widthwise direction of the pillargarnish is made of a resin softer than the base member which ispositioned at the widthwise direction other side of the pillar garnish(the portion other than the bag housing portion in the pillar garnish).Therefore, the portion at the one widthwise direction side has arigidity lower than that of the portion at the other widthwise directionside. Accordingly, when the bag expand, the portion at the one widthwisedirection side is elastically deformed with ease and unfolded.

[0025] In accordance with a seventh aspect, in the third aspect, saidpillar garnish is formed so as to include a base member, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin outer side, and an outer skin, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin inner side of the base member, and

[0026] the base member is separated into a first portion fixed to apillar main body of the front pillar portion and a second portionforming the opening for expansion of said bag at a time when said bagexpands, the first portion and the second portion are connected by aintermediate member interposed between the outer skins or the outer skinand the base member, and said second portion is made the unfoldingportion.

[0027] In accordance with this aspect, the pillar garnish is formed soas to include the base member, which is positioned at the vehicle cabinouter side, and the outer skin, which is positioned at the vehicle cabininner side of the base member. Further, the base member of the pillargarnish is separated into the first portion (the base portion) fixed tothe front pillar and the second portion (the bag housing portion housingthe bag front portion). Both are connected by the outer skin or theintermediate member interposed between the outer skins. Therefore, theseparating position between the first portion and the second portion isthe starting point of unfolding. Accordingly, when the bag expand, thesecond portion is extremely easily unfolded, with the outer skin or theintermediate member positioned at the separating position saving ahinge.

[0028] In accordance with an eighth aspect, in the third aspect, saidpillar garnish is formed so as to include a base member,

[0029] said pillar garnish is separated into a base portion, which isfixed to a pillar main body of the front pillar portion, and a baghousing portion, which houses said bag, and

[0030] a front end portion of the bag housing portion is fixed to thepillar main body, a bag unfolding starting point region provided at thebag housing portion is a weakened portion, and a portion between saidweakened portion and a widthwise direction end portion of the housingportion in which the opening for expansion of said bag is formed is theunfolding portion.

[0031] In accordance with this aspect, the pillar garnish is formed soas to include the member, and the pillar garnish is separated into thebase portion fixed to the pillar main body and the bag housing portionin which the bag is housed. Further, the front end portion of the baghousing portion is fixed to the pillar main body and the weakenedportion is provided at the region of the starting of unfolding of thebag housing portion. Therefore, when the bag expands, the bag housingportion of the pillar garnish can be easily unfolded, with the weakenedportion of the development starting region being a start point, whilethe unfolding load is supported at the fixed region of the front endportion to the pillar main body.

[0032] In accordance with a ninth aspect, in the third aspect, saidpillar garnish is formed so as to include a base member, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin outer side, and an outer skin, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin inner side of the base member, and

[0033] a whole of the base member is formed by a soft material, wherebythe unfolding portion is formed.

[0034] In accordance with this aspect, the pillar garnish is formed soas to include the base member, which is positioned at a vehicle cabinouter side, and the outer skin, which is positioned at a vehicle cabininner side of the base member. Further, the whole of the base member isformed by a soft material. Therefore, the base member can be elasticallydeformed with ease. Accordingly, when the bag expands, the portionpressed by the expanding pressure of the bag in the pillar garnish canbe elastically deformed with no trouble and can be easily unfolded.

[0035] In accordance with a tenth aspect, in the first aspect, saidscatter preventing means is mounted to said pillar garnish along thelongitudinal direction thereof, and is provided with extending portionsrespectively extending from both longitudinal direction end portions ofsaid pillar garnish, and the extending portions are formed by aband-like strap fixed to a pillar main body of the front pillar portion.

[0036] In accordance with this aspect, the band-like strap is mounted tothe pillar garnish. The strap extending portions of the strap, whichrespectively extend from the both longitudinal direction end portions(the upper and lower end portions) of the pillar garnish are fixed tothe pillar main body of the front pillar portion. Therefore, thesupporting strength of the pillar garnish with respect to the pillarmain body is increased. Accordingly, even when a fixing device forfixing the pillar garnish to the pillar main body is out of place, thepillar garnish is securely supported to the pillar main body by atensile force of the strap.

[0037] In accordance with an eleventh aspect, in the first aspect, saidscatter preventing means has a predetermined strength, and is mounted tosaid pillar garnish along a surface thereof, and is provided withextending portions respectively extending from both longitudinaldirection end portions of said pillar garnish, and the extendingportions are formed by a net fixed to a pillar main body of the frontpillar portion.

[0038] In accordance with this aspect, the net having a predeterminedstrength is mounted to the pillar garnish along the surface directionthereof. The extending portions(the end portions), which extend from thepillar garnish in the net, are fixed to the pillar main body. Therefore,the supporting strength of the pillar garnish with respect to the pillarmain body is increased. Accordingly, even when the fixing device forfixing the pillar garnish to the pillar main body is out of place, thepillar garnish is securely supported to the pillar main body by atensile force of the net.

[0039] In accordance with a twelfth aspect, in the first aspect, saidscatter preventing means has an extending portion provided at saidpillar garnish and extending forward a window shield glass and fixed toa body of a pillar main body of the front pillar portion, and saidscatter preventing means has a hinge portion provided at said pillargarnish so as to form the opening for expansion of said bag.

[0040] In accordance with this aspect, the pillar garnish is structuredsuch that when the bag expands, the extending portion of the pillargarnish is supported at the pillar main body of the front pillar portionand is unfolded toward the window shield glass with the hinge portion asthe center of unfolding. As mentioned above, the pillar garnish iseasily unfolded by the expanding pressure of the bag, so that thescattering thereof is prevented.

[0041] In accordance with a thirteenth aspect, in the first aspect, saidpillar garnish is disposed so as to be separated from a pillar main bodyof the front pillar portion by a predetermined distance toward a vehiclecabin inner side, and said scatter preventing means is provided withbridges which are provided in vicinities of both longitudinal directionend portions at the reverse surface of said pillar garnish, and a strap,which connects said bridges and a predetermined region of said pillarmain body and which has a distance longer than a distance between eachof said bridges and the predetermined region.

[0042] In accordance with this aspect, the bridges are respectivelyprovided in vicinities of the longitudinal direction end portions (twoportions, the upper and lower portions) at the reverse surface of thepillar garnish. Each of the bridges and a predetermined region of thepillar main body are connected by using the strap which is longer than adistance between both portions. Therefore, when the pillar garnish ispressed toward the inner side of the vehicle cabin due to an expansionof the bag, although the pillar garnish is apart from the pillar mainbody, the pillar garnish does not come free from the pillar main bodysince the pillar garnish and the pillar main body are connected by thestrap disposed in the vicinities of both end portions. As mentionedabove, since the pillar garnish is apart from the pillar main body dueto the expanding pressure due to the expansion of the bag, the expandingpressure acting on the pillar garnish is avoided, so that the pillargarnish is prevented from scattering.

[0043] In this case, the separating motion of the pillar garnish fromthe pillar main body is restricted at a time when the strap is extended.

[0044] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect,the strap is wound around the bridge, and a recess portion for centeringa wound portion of the strap around the bridge is provided at an endportion of the bridge which a region from to which a load is directlyapplied to the bridge from the wound portion of the strap around thebridge when said bag expands.

[0045] In accordance with this aspect, the strap is wound around thebridge, and the recess portion for centering the wound portion isprovided at the end portion of the bridge which is a region to which theload is directly applied to the bridge from the wound portion of thestrap due to the expansion of the bag. Therefore, the wound portion ofthe strap is biased to a center portion by the centering recess portionof the bridge at a time when the bag expands. Accordingly, in accordancewith this aspect, even when the bag expands and torsion is generated inthe pillar garnish which is apart from the pillar main body, the woundportion of the strap is not biased to a corner portion of the endportion of the bridge, so that the wound portion of the strap is alwaysheld at the center portion of the end portion of the bridge.

[0046] In accordance with a fifteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect,the strap is wound around the bridge, and at least one opening forabsorbing an energy is provided in a vicinity of an end portion of thebridge which is a region to which a load is directly applied to thebridge from a wound portion of the strap around the bridge when said bagexpands.

[0047] In accordance with this aspect, the strap is wound around thebridge, and at least one opening for absorbing an energy is provided ina vicinity of the end portion of the bridge which is a region to whichthe load is directly applied to the bridge from the wound portion of thestrap when the bag expands. Therefore, the load acting on the bridge endportion at a time when the bag expands can be absorbed by the breakingof a peripheral portion of the opening.

[0048] In accordance with a sixteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect,the strap is wound around the bridge, and a recess portion for centeringa wound portion of the strap around the bridge is provided at an endportion of the bridge which a region from to which a load is directlyapplied to the bridge from the wound portion of the strap around thebridge when said bag expands.

[0049] In accordance with this aspect, in the structure in which thestrap is wound around the bridge, the bridge is layered in pluralstages, and the wound portion of the strap is divided into pluralportions in accordance with the number of stages of the bridge. Thedivisional wound portions are wound around the respective bridges.Therefore, the load acting on the bridge from the wound portion of thestrap at a time when the bag expands is diffused to the respectivebridge portions through the respective divisional portions.

[0050] In accordance with a seventeenth aspect, in the thirteenthaspect, a mounting seat of a temporarily fixing means, for temporarilyfixing said pillar garnish to a pillar main body of the front pillarportion, is integrally provided at a region of the bridge opposing theopposing pillar main body of the front pillar portion.

[0051] In accordance with this aspect, the mounting seat of thetemporarily fixing means for temporarily fixing the pillar garnish tothe pillar main body is integrally provided at a region of the bridgeopposing the pillar main body. Therefore, the structure can be madesimple in comparison with a case in which the mounting seat of thetemporarily fixing means for temporarily fixing the pillar garnish tothe pillar main body is provided independently and separately from thebridge.

[0052] In accordance with a eighteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect,an engaging member capable of engaging with the bridge is mounted to anend portion of the strap, and the engaging member is engaged with thebridge so that the one end portion of the strap and the pillar garnishare connected to each other.

[0053] In accordance with this aspect, the engaging member capable ofengaging with the bridge is mounted to the one end portion of the strap,and the one end portion of the strap and the pillar garnish areconnected to each other due to the engaging member being engaged withthe bridge. Therefore, the other end portion of the strap can be fixedin advance to the pillar main body, and the engaging member mounted tothe one end portion of the strap can be engaged with the bridge at atime of assembling the pillar garnish.

[0054] In accordance with a nineteenth aspect, in the first aspect, thepillar garnish includes at least a base member, and the scatterpreventing means is the base member which is formed by a non-breakmaterial, and

[0055] there are further provided a fixing member for directly fixingthe base member to the pillar main body of the front pillar portion, anda cap which is mounted to a recess portion formed on a design surface ofthe pillar garnish and which covers a head portion of the fixing member.

[0056] In accordance with this aspect, since the base member of thepillar garnish is formed by the non-break material, the pillar garnishis not easily deformed and broken when the bag expands. Accordingly, thepillar garnish is not scattered due to the expanding pressure at a timewhen the bag expands. Further, since the pillar garnish is directlyfixed to the pillar main body by the fixing member, the pillar garnishis prevented from being out of place from the pillar main body.

[0057] In accordance with a twentieth aspect, in the nineteenth aspect,fall-out preventing means for connecting the cap to the base member isfurther provided.

[0058] In accordance with this aspect, even in the case that the cap isout of place from the pillar garnish when the bag is expands, the capcan be prevented from falling out from the garnish by the falloutpreventing means which connects the cap to the base member of the pillargarnish.

[0059] In accordance with a twenty-first aspect, in the first aspect,said pillar garnish includes at least a base member, and said scatterpreventing means is formed by the base member which is formed by anon-break material, engaging means for engaging the base member with apillar main body of the front pillar portion, and an engagement forceincreasing portion provided at the engaging means and enablingdeformation of said pillar garnish in a direction in which engagementbetween the base member and the pillar main body of the front pillarportion strengthened when said bag expand.

[0060] In accordance with this aspect, the pillar garnish can be easilymounted to the pillar main body by engaging the base member of thepillar garnish with the pillar main body by the engaging means. Further,since the pillar garnish is formed by the non-break material, the pillargarnish is not easily deformed and broken when the bag is expands. Stillfurther, when the bag expands, the pillar garnish in deformed in thedirection in which the engagement between the pillar garnish and thepillar main body is strengthened by the engagement force increasingportion provided in the engaging means. Thus, the pillar garnish can beprevented from coming out of place.

[0061] In accordance with a twenty-second aspect, in the first aspect,the scatter preventing means comprises:

[0062] engaging and attaching means for engaging and attaching saidpillar garnish and a pillar main body of the front pillar portion insuch a manner that said pillar garnish can come out of place from thepillar main body of the front pillar portion;

[0063] a bridge provided on at a reverse surface of said pillar garnishand having a guide hole extending through in a longitudinal direction ofthe front pillar portion; and

[0064] a strap inserted through the guide hole so as to be supported bysaid pillar garnish, both longitudinal direction end portions of thestrap being fixed to the pillar main body of the front pillar portion,and the strap being set to a length of forming said bag projectingopening when said bag is expands and the engagement and attachmentbetween the pillar garnish and said pillar main body of the front pillarportion is released.

[0065] In accordance with a twenty-third aspect, in the twenty-secondaspect, the bridge is provided in vicinities of both end portions and ina vicinity of a longitudinal direction center portion along thelongitudinal direction of said pillar garnish.

[0066] In accordance with the twenty-second aspect, when the strap isinserted into the guide hole of the bridge, the both ends of the strapare fastened to the pillar main body in such a manner as to cover thefolded and housed bag. Next, by engaging and attaching the engaging andattaching means, the pillar garnish can be mounted to the pillar mainbody.

[0067] Then, after mounting, when the bag expands, the pillar garnish ispushed by the bag, the engagement and attachment of the engaging andattaching means is released, the pillar garnish separates from thepillar main body, and the bag protrudes (expands) from the separatedopening.

[0068] At this time, even when the bag protrudes, the pillar garnish isconnected and held to the strap which has a length which can form theopening which allows the bag to protrude. Therefore, the pillar garnishcan be prevented from being scattered.

[0069] Further, the strap is structured so as to have a length withleeway which allows formation of the opening through which the bagprotrudes, which length is different than a length needed only formounting the pillar garnish to the pillar main body. Therefore, thefastening operation can be simply performed by moving the pillar garnishin such manner as to shift from fastening portion or the like at a timeof inserting the strap into the guide hole of the bridge and fasteningthe both ends of the strap to the pillar main body at vicinities of bothends of the pillar garnish in such a manner as to cover the folded andhoused air bag. Since the shifting distance can be changed for adistance about twice the opening dimension, the fastening operation ofthe strap can be even more smoothly performed, so that it is easy tomount the pillar garnish to the pillar main body.

[0070] Accordingly, in the twenty-second aspect described above, even inthe case of the structure in which the pillar garnish comes out of placefrom the pillar main body when the bag expands, the mounting operationcan be easily performed.

[0071] Further, as in the case of the twenty-third aspect, when thebridge through which the strap is inserted are disposed at vicinities ofboth ends and at a vicinity of the center of the rear surface side ofthe pillar garnish, the stress can be dispersed when the pillar garnishis pushed by the bag while being held by the strap at a time the bagexpands. Thus, the connecting strength between the strap and the pillargarnish can be improved.

[0072] In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect, in the first aspect,said scatter preventing means is provided with a strap whoselongitudinal direction center portion is integrally formed with saidpillar garnish along a longitudinal direction of said pillar garnish andwhose both longitudinal direction end portions are apart from saidpillar garnish and are fixed to a pillar main body of a front pillarportion, and

[0073] the structure of arranging a vehicle vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle further comprises:

[0074] an inserting portion formed in a vehicle front side end portionof said pillar garnish;

[0075] an opening portion formed in an insert of an instrument panel andinto which said inserting portion is inserted; and

[0076] an engaging portion formed at said inserting portion, and due tosaid engaging portion engaging with an edge portion of said openingportion, said pillar garnish can be temporarily placed at a tiltedposition at which said pillar garnish is tilted at a predetermined anglefrom a normal assembly position and an extending portion of the strapcan be fixed to the pillar main body of the front portion.

[0077] In accordance with this aspect, the engaging portion, which isformed in the inserting portion of the vehicle front side end portion(the lower portion) of the pillar garnish, catches on the edge portionof the opening portion in the insert of the instrument panel. The pillargarnish is temporarily placed at the inclined position at which thepillar garnish is inclined at a predetermined angle from the normalassembly position. In this inclined state, the both longitudinaldirection end portions (the extending portions) of the strap are fixedto the pillar main body in the pillar inner panel or the like. As aresult, by changing the shape of the simple pillar garnish in which theinsertion portion having the engaging portion is formed at a lowerportion of the pillar, at the time of assembly, a worker need not holdthe pillar garnish with one hand in a vicinity of an assembly positionof the front pillar. The worker can fix the extending portion of thestrap to the pillar main body by means of a bolt or the like by bothhands therefore, the assembly workability of the pillar garnish can beimproved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078]FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view along line 1-1 in FIG. 2 andshows in an enlarged manner an accommodated state of a bag front portionin an air bag apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment inconnection with a pillar garnish of a front pillar.

[0079]FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view which shows a region atwhich the air bag apparatus is disposed in accordance with the firstembodiment, as seen from a side portion.

[0080]FIG. 3 is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 2 and showing astate in which a bag is expanded at a time of a side collision.

[0081]FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1and showing a state in which a bag front end is expanded at a time of aside collision.

[0082]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 and showsin an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a slit is formed in abase member of a pillar garnish) in accordance with an example of asecond embodiment.

[0083]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 and showsin an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a thin portion is formedin a base member of a pillar garnish) in accordance with another exampleof the second embodiment.

[0084]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 and showsin an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a bag housing portion ina base member of a pillar garnish is made thin with respect to a baseportion) in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0085]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 and showsin an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a base member of a pillargarnish is formed of a soft material and a rigid material) in accordancewith an example of a fourth embodiment.

[0086]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 and showsin an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a base member of a pillargarnish is formed of a soft material and a rigid material and bothmaterials are separated by a hinge portion) in accordance with anotherexample of the fourth embodiment.

[0087]FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a base member of apillar garnish is separated into a base portion and a bag housingportion and is integrally formed by an outer skin) in accordance with anexample of a fifth embodiment.

[0088]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a base member of apillar garnish is separated into a base portion and a bag housingportion and is integrally formed by a middle member) in accordance withanother example of the fifth embodiment.

[0089]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a whole of a pillargarnish is separated into a base portion and a bag housing portion andthey are respectively fixed to a front pillar) in accordance with asixth embodiment.

[0090]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a whole of a pillargarnish is made of a soft material) in accordance with a seventhembodiment.

[0091]FIG. 14 is a perspective view which shows a pillar garnish inaccordance with an example of an eighth embodiment.

[0092]FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view along line 15-15 in FIG. 14 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a strap is insertedin a longitudinal direction of a pillar garnish so as to be fixed to afront pillar) in accordance with an example of the eighth embodiment.

[0093]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view along line 16-16 in FIG. 14 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion in accordance with an exampleof the eighth embodiment.

[0094]FIG. 17 is a perspective view which shows a pillar garnish inaccordance with another example of the eighth embodiment.

[0095]FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view along line 18-18 in FIG. 17 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a strap is insertedinto upper and lower end portions of a pillar garnish so as to be fixedto a front pillar) in accordance with another example of the eighthembodiment.

[0096]FIG. 19 is a perspective view which shows a pillar garnish inaccordance with a ninth embodiment.

[0097]FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view along line 20-20 in FIG. 19 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which a net is adhered toa base member of a pillar garnish and a portion thereof is fixed to afront pillar) in accordance with the ninth embodiment.

[0098]FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view along line 21-21 in FIG. 19 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion in accordance with the ninthembodiment.

[0099]FIG. 22 is a perspective view which shows a pillar garnish inaccordance with a tenth embodiment.

[0100]FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view along line 23-23 in FIG. 22 andshows in an enlarged manner a main portion (in which an outer skinextending portion is provided on an outer skin of a pillar garnish so asto be fixed to a front pillar) in accordance with the tenth embodiment.

[0101]FIG. 24 is a perspective view as seen from a front surface endwhich shows a pillar garnish with a pair of straps in accordance with aneleventh embodiment.

[0102]FIG. 25 is a back surface view of a pillar garnish as seen in FIG.24.

[0103]FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view which shows a main portionaround a bridge and a strap of the pillar garnish shown in FIG. 24 witha middle portion being omitted.

[0104]FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross sectional view which shows a mainportion of a structure of fixing a strap of the pillar garnish shown inFIG. 24 to a pillar inner panel.

[0105]FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross sectional view which shows in anenlarged manner a main portion of a structure of a horizontal crosssection of a front pillar portion in accordance with the eleventhembodiment.

[0106]FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view which shows in an enlargedmanner a main portion of a bridge (which forms a recess portion forcentering the strap) in accordance with a twelfth embodiment.

[0107]FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view which shows in an enlargedmanner a main portion of a bridge (which forms a plurality of oblongholes for absorbing energy in addition to a recess portion for centeringthe strap) in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment.

[0108]FIG. 31 is a plan view of a bridge shown in FIG. 30.

[0109]FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view which shows in an enlargedmanner a main portion of a bridge (a bridge layered at two stages) inaccordance with a fourteenth embodiment.

[0110]FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view which shows a main portionof a strap used for the bridge shown in FIG. 32.

[0111]FIG. 34 is an enlarged cross sectional view corresponding to FIG.27 and shows a main portion in a state in which the strap shown in FIG.32 is wound around the bridge shown in FIG. 32 so as to be fixed to apillar inner panel.

[0112]FIG. 35 is an enlarged perspective view which shows in an enlargedmanner a main portion of a bridge (a bridge layered at three stages) inaccordance with a fifteenth embodiment.

[0113]FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view which shows a main portionof an example (in which a strap and a bridge are connected by a lockplate) of a structure connecting a strap and a pillar garnish inaccordance with a sixteenth embodiment.

[0114]FIG. 37 is an enlarged perspective view which shows a main portionof an example (in which a strap is inserted into a bridge and an anchorplate and thereafter is made into a loop shape) of a structureconnecting the strap and the pillar garnish in a similar manner.

[0115]FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view which shows a main portionof an example (in which an end portion of a strap is inserted into abridge and is fixed by a pin) of a structure connecting the strap andthe pillar garnish in a similar manner.

[0116]FIG. 39 is an enlarged perspective view which shows a main portionof an example (in which a projection stands upright from the pillargarnish, a folding portion of the strap is disposed, and thereafter, thebridge plate is inserted into the folding portion so as to thermallycaulk the projection) of a structure connecting the strap and the pillargarnish in a similar manner.

[0117]FIG. 40 is a side view which schematically shows a structure oftemporarily placing a pillar garnish which accommodates a head portionprotecting air bag apparatus in accordance with a seventeenthembodiment.

[0118]FIG. 41 is a perspective view which shows a pillar garnish in thestructure of temporarily placing the pillar garnish which accommodatesthe head portion protecting air bag apparatus in accordance with theseventeenth embodiment.

[0119]FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view, as seen substantially from anupper portion of a vehicle, which shows a structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle inaccordance with an eighteenth embodiment.

[0120]FIG. 43 is a side view as seen from an inner side of a vehiclecabin which shows a structure of arranging an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle in accordance with theeighteenth embodiment.

[0121]FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view which shows a cap and arecess portion in the structure of arranging the vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle in accordance with theeighteenth embodiment.

[0122]FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view, as seen substantially from anupper portion of a vehicle, which shows a structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle inaccordance with a nineteenth embodiment.

[0123]FIG. 46 is a side view of a main portion, as seen from an innerside of a vehicle cabin, which shows a mounting hole and an engaging pinin a structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus foran automotive vehicle in accordance with the nineteenth embodiment.

[0124]FIG. 47 is a perspective view which shows a main portion of astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle in accordance with a modified example of thenineteenth embodiment.

[0125]FIG. 48 is a perspective view which shows a main portion of astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle in accordance with another modified example of thenineteenth embodiment.

[0126]FIG. 49 is a perspective view which shows a main portion of astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle in accordance with another modified example of thenineteenth embodiment.

[0127]FIG. 50 is a cross sectional view, as seen substantially from anupper portion of a vehicle, which shows a structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle inaccordance with a modified example of the eighteenth embodiment.

[0128]FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a back surface side of a pillargarnish in accordance with twentieth embodiment.

[0129]FIG. 52 is a schematic view which shows an adhering operation of astrap in accordance with the twentieth embodiment.

[0130]FIG. 53A is a schematic view which shows a mounting state for apillar garnish before an air bag is expanded in accordance with thetwentieth embodiment.

[0131]FIG. 53B is a schematic view which shows movement of a pillargarnish when the air bag is expanded in accordance with the twentiethembodiment.

[0132]FIG. 54 is a perspective view at a back surface side which shows apillar garnish in accordance with a modified example of the twentiethembodiment.

[0133]FIG. 55 is a schematic view which shows an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle in accordance with aconventional embodiment.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0134] [First Embodiment]

[0135] A first embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4.

[0136] A schematic structure of an operating state of an air bagapparatus 10 serving as an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by side views. As shown inthese drawings, the air bag apparatus 10 is mainly formed by a sensor 12for detecting a predetermined state of application of high load to aside portion of a vehicle body, a cylindrical inflator 14 for injectinggas upon operation, and a bag 16 folded in a predetermined foldingmanner. These elements will be briefly described below in this order,and thereafter, a main portion of the present embodiment will bedescribed.

[0137] The sensor 12 is disposed in the portion close to a lower endportion of a center pillar portion (a B pillar portion) 18, and isstructured so as to detect a predetermined state of application of highload in the case that a high load higher than a predetermined value actson the side portion of the vehicle body. An acceleration sensor or thelike is employed as the sensor 12. Besides the portion close to thelower end portion of the center pillar portion 18, an inner portion of aside door or the like can be selected as the portion at which the sensor12 is disposed.

[0138] The inflator 14 is disposed in the portion close to a connectingportion between a front pillar portion (an A pillar portion) 20 and aninstrument panel 22, and is connected to the sensor 12 mentioned abovethrough a center control unit (not shown) disposed below a console box(not shown). Accordingly, when the predetermined state of application ofhigh load is detected by the sensor 12, a predetermined operatingcurrent is made to flow to the inflator 14 from the center control unit,so that the inflator 14 is operated.

[0139] If the inflator 14 is disposed in the portion close to theconnecting portion, there is the merit of directly connecting a frontend portion 16A of the bag 16 to the inflator 14 as will be describedhereinafter. However, a structure of disposing the inflator 14 inanother portion of the vehicle body and connecting it to the front endportion 16A of the bag 16 by means of a tube or the like may beemployed. Further, a gas generating agent sealing type for generating agas so that the gas generating agent sealed therewithin is burnt, or ahigh pressure gas sealing type for injecting a high pressure gas bybreaking a partition wall provided therewithin, or the like can beemployed as the inflator 14.

[0140] The bag 16 is formed such that the expanded shape issubstantially a parallelogram as seen in side view. A plurality ofnon-expanding portions 24, which are formed by sewing or adhesion or thelike and which cross a tension line T connecting a front end fixingpoint of the bag 16 and a rear end fixing point mentioned below andwhose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction of the bag, areformed in the middle portion in the vertical direction of the bag 16 atpredetermined intervals. Further, the bag 16 is folded by apredetermined way of folding so as to be formed in a long shape, andthereafter, is housed within a resin long case 26 (refer to FIG. 5)which is broken and unfolded by a predetermined bag expanding pressure.

[0141] Further, the bag 16 mentioned above is disposed between a frontpillar portion 20 and a roof side rail portion 28. More specifically,the front end portion 16A of the bag 16 is disposed at a position atwhich the inflator is disposed such that a gas injected from theinflator 14 is flows into the front one portion 16A. A middle portion16B is disposed along the front pillar portion 20 and the roof side railportion 28, and the rear end portion 16C is disposed in the portionclose to a quarter pillar portion (a C pillar portion) 30. Accordingly,in accordance with the present embodiment, the bag 16 which is longer inthe longitudinal direction in the vehicle than that used in the priorart is employed.

[0142] Next, a structure of the front pillar portion 20 including theair bag apparatus 10 will be described below. A horizontal crosssectional structure in the middle portion in the longitudinal directionof the front pillar portion 20 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in thisdrawing, the front pillar portion 20 comprises a front pillar main body38 and a resin pillar garnish 40 which is disposed inside the vehiclecabin of the front pillar main body 38 so as to be spaced apart. Thefront pillar main body 38 is formed by a pillar outer panel 32 arrangedoutside the vehicle cabin and having a hat-shaped cross section, asubstantially flat-plate-shaped pillar inner panel 34 disposed insidethe vehicle cabin, and a pillar reinforcement 36 disposed so as to besandwich between the pillar outer panel 32 and the pillar inner panel 34and having a hat-shaped cross section in a closed cross sectionalstructure. An opening weather strip 39 is elastically fitted to an rearend flange portion of the front pillar main body 38.

[0143] The pillar garnish 40 is formed by a base member 42 made by aresin material having a predetermined hardness and formed in a convexcurved shape, and an outer skin 44 covering an outer surface (a surfaceinside the vehicle cabin) of the base member 42. Further, a frontportion side of the base member 42 of the pillar garnish 40 is madethick (hereinafter, this portion is referred to “a base portion 42A”),and a rear portion side of the base member 42 is made thin (hereinafter,this portion is referred to “a bag housing portion 42B”). Accordingly,the rigidity of the base portion 42A is set to be high, and on thecontrary, the rigidity of the bag housing portion 42B is set to be lowerthan that of the base portion 42A.

[0144] The rigidity setting of the former is for ensuring the mountingrigidity of the front pillar main body 38 to the pillar inner panel 34,and the rigidity setting of the latter is for ensuring a smoothunfolding ability of the bag housing portion 42B. The connecting portionbetween the base portion 42A and the bag housing portion 42B (that is, arigidity-suddenly-changing portion formed in the middle portion in thewidthwise direction of the pillar garnish 40 along the longitudinaldirection thereof) is a hinge portion 46 when the bag housing portion42B unfolds. A final end portion close to the bag housing portion 42B inthe pillar garnish 40 formed in the manner described above iselastically engaged with the opening weather strip 39 mentioned above.

[0145] In accordance with the present embodiment, a predetermined spaceportion 48 is formed between the base member 42 of the pillar garnish 40and the pillar inner panel 34 by disposing the pillar garnish 40, whichis formed in the convex curved shape described above, in thesubstantially flat-plate-shaped pillar inner panel 34 with apredetermined interval therebetween.

[0146] At the front side of the space portion 48, a resin rib 50 servingas an energy absorbing member for absorbing a secondary collision loadin the vehicle occupant head portion at a time of a light load sidecollision to the side portion of the vehicle body (that is, at a timewhen the light load of an extent that the air bag apparatus 10 is notoperated acts on the side portion of the vehicle body) is disposed so asto traverse the space portion 48. A mounting seat surface, formed at theouter side of the vehicle cabin, of the rib 50 is disposed adjacent to aconvex portion 52 which is formed in the pillar inner panel 34 andprojects toward the pillar garnish 40 end.

[0147] On the other hand, a bag front portion 16D is housed in the rearside of the space portion 48 together with the case 26. The bag frontportion 16D is arranged in a state of being folded in a substantiallyrectangular cross section by a predetermined folding method. Further, afin-like bag fixing portion 16E provided at a suitable interval isinserted between the aforementioned mounting seat surface of the rib 50and the convex portion 52 of the pillar inner panel 34. Incorrespondence to this, the case 26 for housing the bag front portion16D is also bent substantially in a rectangular shape in cross section.Further, a pair of case fixing portions 26A are inserted between themounting seat surface of the rib 50 and the convex portion 52 in such amanner as to cover the front and rear surfaces of the bag fixing portion16E. Then, in this state, the bag fixing portion 16E and the case fixingportion 26A are fastened to the convex portion 52 of the pillar innerpanel 34 together with the rib 50 and the base portion 42A of the basemember 42 in the pillar garnish 40 by fixing means such as a bolt 54 anda nut 56.

[0148] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, as can beunderstood from FIG. 4 showing the state at a time when the bag isexpanded, a non-expanding portion 16D₁ formed by sewing by means of asewing thread 58 or the like is formed in the portion corresponding tothe pillar garnish 40 in the bag front portion 16D. Accordingly, the gasinjected from the inflator 14 does not flow into the non-expandingportion 16D₁.

[0149] For example, adhesion by means of an adhesive or the like may beemployed as another method of forming the non-expanding portion 16D₁.

[0150] Next, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will bedescribed.

[0151] When a predetermined high load is applied to the side portion ofthe vehicle body, the state of application of high load is detected bythe sensor 12. Accordingly, the predetermined operating current is madeto flow to the inflator 14 from the center control unit, therebyoperating the inflator 14. Therefore, the predetermined amount of gas isinjected from the inflator 14. Then, the bag 16 starts expanding andmakes the case 26 break at the corner portion thereof due to theexpanding pressure at that time so as to unfold the bag. The expandedbag 16 is expanded downward in a curtain manner along the roof side railportion 28 from the front pillar portion 20 white pressing and openingthe pillar garnish 40 of the front pillar portion 20 and the outer endportion of the roof head lining positioned at the roof side rail portion28. As a result, the bag 16 is interposed between the vehicle body sideportion and the vehicle occupant head portion, and the vehicle occupanthead portion is protected by the bag 16.

[0152] The expanding process of the bag 16 will be described further. Inthe present embodiment, since a plurality of non-expanding portions 24are formed in the middle portion in the vertical direction of the bag 16as mentioned above, the gas injected from the inflator 14 flows from thefront end portion 16A of the bag 16, and thereafter, flows separatelyinto upper and lower portions due to the non-expanding portion 24positioned at the frontmost end. Accordingly, the bag 16 is expandedsuch that an outer peripheral portion thereof forms a frame, and the gascontinuously flows into the portions between the non-expanding portions24 so as to expand the corresponding portions in the bag thicknessdirection. Therefore, a predetermined tension acts between thenon-expanding portions 24, and the bag 16 is finally expandedsubstantially in a parallelogram shape which is formed by the greattensile stress working along the tension line T connecting the front endfixing point and the rear end fixing point (refer to FIG. 3).

[0153] In this case, in accordance with the present embodiment, as shownin FIG. 4, the non-expanding portion 16D₁ is formed in the portioncorresponding to the pillar garnish 40 at bag front portion 16D housedin the rear side of the space portion 48 between the pillar inner panel34 and the pillar garnish 40 in the front pillar main body 38.Therefore, the pressing load F₁ acting on the bag housing portion 42Bend of the pillar garnish 40 can be reduced at a time when the bag frontportion 16D unfolds the bag housing portion 42B of the pillar garnish 40around the hinge portion 46. Accordingly, in the case that thenon-expanding portion 16D₁ such as that of the present embodiment is notformed, since the bag front portion 16D is expanded as shown by thetwo-dot chain line in the drawing, the pressing load F₁ acting on thebag housing portion 42B end of the pillar garnish 40 becomes large.However, when the structure is formed so as to prevent the expansion ofthe bag front portion 16D within the bag housing portion 42B as in thepresent embodiment, the pressing load F₁ acting on the bag housingportion 42B end of the pillar garnish 40 can be reduced. Accordingly, inaccordance with the present embodiment, when the bag 16 (the bag frontportion 16D) is expanded, the pillar garnish 40 disposed at the frontpillar portion 20 can be prevented from scattering.

[0154] Further, as mentioned above, since the gas dose not flow into thenon-expanding portion 16D₁ in the bag front portion 16D, the volume offlowing gas necessary for the bag front portion 16D can be reduced. Inaddition, since the gas can flow into the expanding portion 16D₂ in thebag front portion 16D instantaneously to the extent that the gas dosenot flow into the non-expanding portion 16D₁ in the bag front portion16D, an expanding force F₂, which is directed to the lower portion ofthe roof side rail and which attempts to expand the expanding portion16D₂, can be increased. As a result, in accordance with the presentembodiment, it is possible to shorten the expanding time of the bagfront portion 16D.

[0155] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since the baghousing portion 42B is structured so as to unfold around the hingeportion 46 by making the base portion 42A of the base member 42 thickand making the bag housing portion 42B thin, it is possible to easilyavoid the operating load by the bag expanding pressure against the baghousing portion 42B, and it is possible to prevent the excessive stressfrom concentrating at the bag housing portion 42B. As a result, inaccordance with the present embodiment, it is possible to effectivelyprevent the pillar garnish 40 from scattering when the bag front portion16D expands.

[0156] In accordance with the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4,the non-expanding portion 16D₁ is formed by applying by sewing thesewing thread 58 at the portion corresponding to the pillar garnish 40in the bag front portion 16D. However, in the relation to the thirdaspect described above, it is not always necessary to provide thenon-expanding portion 16D₁. This point can be similarly applied to theeighth to tenth embodiments which will be described later.

[0157] [Second Embodiment]

[0158] A second embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the embodiment mentioned above, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0159] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a pillar garnish 60 is formedby a base member 62 and an outer skin 44 which respectively have thesame thickness. Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, aplurality of slits 64 corresponding to a weakened portion is formed in aconnecting portion between a base portion 62A and a bag housing portion62B in the base member 62 (a middle portion in a widthwise direction ofthe pillar garnish 60) along a longitudinal direction of the garnish atpredetermined intervals. Accordingly, the rigidity of the region atwhich the slits 64 are formed in the base member 62 is reduced. Amounting seat 66 having a substantially trapezoidal cross section isintegrally formed in a portion close to the base portion 62A in the basemember 62, and the mounting seat 66 is fixed to the convex portion 52 inthe pillar inner panel 34 by means of a resin clip 68.

[0160] In accordance with the above-described structure, when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded so that a predetermined expanding pressureis applied to the bag housing portion 62B in the pillar garnish 60, thebag housing portion 62B is easily unfolded toward the inner side of thevehicle cabin, with the unfolding staring at the region at which theslits 64 are formed which has been made a low rigidity region.Accordingly, the region at which the slits 64 are formed, which has beenmade a low rigidity region, serves as the unfolding hinge of the baghousing portion 62B. As a result, also in accordance with the presentembodiment, it is possible to further effectively prevent the pillargarnish 60 from scattering when the bag front portion 16D is expanded.

[0161] Further, since the slits 64 mentioned above can be integrallyformed at a time of molding the base member 62, there is the merit thatthe structure is made simple in comparison with a case in which aseparate part is additionally used.

[0162] Still further, in a modified example of the second embodimentshown in FIG. 6, in place of the slits 64 mentioned above, a thinportion 70 having a concave groove shape and serving as a weakenedportion is integrally formed in the connecting portion between the baseportion 62A and the bag housing portion 62B of the base member 62.Accordingly, also in this modified example, the same operation andeffects as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained.

[0163] [Third Embodiment]

[0164] A third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.7. In this case, the same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 7, the structure is the same as that of theembodiment described above in that a pillar garnish 80 is formed by abase member 82 and the outer skin 44. However, in the presentembodiment, there is a difference in that a base portion 82A in the basemember 82 is formed thick, but a bag housing portion 82B in the basemember 82 is formed thinner than the base portion 82A, and the featureof the present embodiment resides in this point. Accordingly, therigidity of the thin bag housing portion 82B is made lower than that ofthe thick base portion 82A.

[0166] In accordance with the above-described structure, when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded so that a predetermined expanding pressureis applied to the bag housing portion 82B of the pillar garnish 80, thebag housing portion 82B, whose rigidity is made low, can be elasticallydeformed with ease with respect to the hinge portion 84, which is theconnecting portion between the bag housing portion 82B and the baseportion 82A, serving as the starting point of unfolding. As a result,also in accordance with the present embodiment, it is possible tofurther effectively prevent the pillar garnish 80 from scattering whenthe bag front portion 16D is expanded.

[0167] Further, at the time of molding the base member 82, it isextremely easy to form the base portion 82A thick and to form the baghousing portion 82B thin. Therefore, the number of production steps isnot increased and the structure can be made simple.

[0168] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since the baghousing portion 82B is made thin, it can be easily assembled byutilizing the elastic deformation of the bag housing portion 82B whenassembling the pillar garnish 80 to the front pillar main body 38.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the pillar garnish 80 frombreaking at the time of assembling and to prevent residual deformationfrom being generated.

[0169] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0170] A fourth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0171] The feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 resides in thepoint that a base member 92 of a pillar garnish 90 is formed by twokinds, hard and soft, of base members which are a soft member 94 made ofan urethane, TPO or the like and having a low rigidity, and a hardmember 96 made of ABS, PP or the like and having a high rigidity. Morespecifically, the soft member 94 comprises a thickened base portion 94Aand a thinned bag housing portion 94B and is formed in a curved shape. Asurface of the soft member 94 (a surface inside the vehicle cabin) iscovered by the outer skin 44, and a connecting portion between the baseportion 94A and the bag housing portion 94B is made a hinge portion 97.Further, the hard member 96 is disposed only at the base portion 94Aside in the soft member 94, and the mounting seat 66 mentioned above isformed on the surface at the outer side of the vehicle cabin. A concaveportion 98 having a shallow bottom is formed at a bottom portion of thehard member 96, and the hard member 96 is adhered to the base portion94A of the soft member 94 by an adhesive 99 with a strap 164 forreinforcement (which will be described later in a later embodiment)disposed within the concave portion 98.

[0172] The hard member 96 may be adhered to the soft member 94 bywelding or the like in place of the adhesive 99, or a method ofsimultaneously molding both by double injection molding at a time ofmolding the base member 92 may be employed.

[0173] In accordance with the structure described above, when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded so that a predetermined expanding pressureis applied to the bag housing portion 94B of the pillar garnish 90,since the bag housing portion 94B is a portion of the soft member 94 andhas low rigidity, the bag housing portion 94B can be elasticallydeformed with ease with the starting point of unfolded being the hingeportion 97 which is the connecting portion between the bag housingportion 94B and the base portion 94A. As a result, also in accordancewith the present embodiment, it is possible to even more effectivelyprevent the pillar garnish 90 from scattering when the bag front portion16D is expanded.

[0174] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, the basemember 92 is separated into the soft member 94 and the hard member 96,and the hard member 96 is disposed in the portion close to the baseportion 94A of the soft member 94. Therefore, the shape holdingcharacteristic (shape holding performance) of the pillar garnish 90 isexcellent, and it is possible to easily set the mounting seat 66 formounting the pillar garnish 90 at the pillar inner panel 34 of the frontpillar 38.

[0175] Moreover, the feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 (themodified example of the fourth embodiment) resides in the points that abase member 102 of a pillar garnish 100 is separated at a portioncorresponding to a hinge, a hard member 104 is disposed in the portionclose to the base portion, and a soft member 106 is disposed in theportion close to the bag housing portion. The hard member 104 and thesoft member 106 are integrally formed by an adhesive (not shown) or thelike. Also in accordance with the present embodiment, the same operationand effects as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 described abovecan be obtained. In addition, in accordance the present embodiment,there is the merit that the amount of material used for the soft member106 is less than that in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0176] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0177] A fifth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the embodiments described above, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0178] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a base member 112 of a pillargarnish 110 is separated into a base portion 114, which is disposed atthe portion close to a front portion, and a bag housing portion 116,which is disposed at the portion close to a rear portion. The baseportion 114 is formed in such a manner as to have a substantiallyC-shaped cross section, and an end portion outside the vehicle cabin isfixed to the convex portion 52 of the pillar inner panel 34 by means ofthe clip 68. Further, the bag housing portion 116 is formed in a convexcurved shape in order to house the bag front portion 16D. Still further,the base portion 114 and an outer surface (a surface inside the vehiclecabin) of the bag housing portion 116 are covered by the outer skin 44,so that both are integrally formed. A slight gap is formed at theconnecting portion between the base portion 114 and the bag housingportion 116, and this region at which the gap is formed is used as ahinge 118.

[0179] In accordance with the structure described above, when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded so that a predetermined expanding pressureis applied to the bag housing portion 116 of the pillar garnish 110,since the bag housing portion 116 is separated from the base portion114, the bag housing portion 116 is extremely easily unfolded with thestarting point of unfolding being the hinge portion 118 which is theconnecting portion between the bag housing portion 116 and the baseportion 114. As a result, also in accordance with the presentembodiment, it is possible to further effectively prevent the pillargarnish 110 from scattering when the bag front portion 16D is expanded.

[0180] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since thebase portion 114 which is fixed to the front pillar main body 38 and thebag housing portion 116 which houses the bag front portion 16D areseparated into independent parts, it is possible to decrease a fixingstrength of the base portion 114 to the front pillar 38 as compared witha case of using a base member in which both the base portion and the baghousing portion are formed as a single part. Accordingly, since theunfolding load applied to the base portion 114 end when the bag housingportion 116 is unfolded can be reduced by the above-described structure,there is no trouble even when the rigidity of the base portion 114 isreduced. Considering this fact from another view point, it is possibleto improve the removability of the pillar garnish 110 from the frontpillar main body 38.

[0181] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 (the modified example of thefifth embodiment) has a feature in the point that both of the baseportion 114 and the bag housing portion 116 are integrally formed by amiddle member 120, which is interposed between the outer skin 44 and thebase member 112 and made of a nylon base fabric or the like, in place ofintegrally forming the base portion 114 and the bag housing portion 116by the outer skin 44. The same operation and effects as those of theabove-described fifth embodiment can be obtained by employing thisstructure. In addition, in the case that the base portion 114 and thebag housing portion 116 are integrally formed by using the outer skin44, the material which can be used is inherently limited. However, thereis the merit that it is possible to select a material having a highbonding strength by using the middle member 120.

[0182] [Sixth Embodiment]

[0183] A sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.12. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements as thosein the above-described embodiments, and description thereof will beomitted.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 12, in accordance with the present embodiment, abase member 132 of a pillar garnish 130 is separated into a base portion134 disposed at the portion close to a front portion and a bag housingportion 136 disposed at the portion close to a rear portion. Further,the base portion 134 is formed in a gently curved shape, and is fixed tothe convex portion 52 of the pillar inner panel 34 by means of the clip68 through the mounting seat 66 which is integrally formed at the backsurface end thereof. Still further, the bag housing portion 136 isstructured such that the bag front portion 16D is formed substantiallyin a C-shaped cross section which can house the portion 160. The frontend portion thereof is curved toward the forward side so that themounting piece 136A is integrally formed. The mounting piece 136A isfixed to the convex portion 52 of the pillar inner panel 34 by means ofa bolt 138 and a nut 140, whereby the bag housing portion 136 is mountedto the pillar inner panel 34.

[0185] Further, in correspondence to the structure described above, inaccordance with the present embodiment, an outer skin 142 of the pillargarnish 130 is also separated into a base end outer skin 144, whichcovers the surface end of the base portion 134, and a housing portionend outer skin 146, which covers the surface end of the bag housingportion 136.

[0186] Moreover, a notch 148 serving as a weakened portion forfacilitating unfolding is formed on the back surface of the baseadjacent corner portion in the bag housing portion 136. In the presentembodiment, although the notch 148 is formed as the weakened portion,the present invention is not limited to the same, and a slit or the likemay be formed.

[0187] In accordance with the structure described above, when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded so that the predetermined expandingpressure is applied to the bag housing portion 136 of the pillar garnish130, since the bag housing portion 136 is separated from the baseportion 134, the bag housing portion 136 can be easily unfolded with thenotch 148 as the starting point of unfolding, while the unfolding loadis directly supported by the pillar inner panel 34. As a result, also inaccordance with the present embodiment, it is possible to furthereffectively prevent the pillar garnish 130 from scattering when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded.

[0188] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since thewhole of the pillar garnish 130 is completely separated into the baseportion end and the bag housing portion end as independent parts, theycan be firmly fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 of the front pillarmain body 38. Accordingly, it is possible to even more effectivelyensure the scatter preventing effect of the pillar garnish 130. In thiscase, in accordance with the present embodiment, since the unfoldingload is not applied to the base portion 134 of the pillar garnish 130,this is fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 by means of the clip 68.However, in view of realizing the effect mentioned above, the baseportion 134 may be firmly fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 by a boltand a nut.

[0189] [Seventh Embodiment]

[0190] A seventh embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 13. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements asthose in the above-described embodiments, and description thereof willbe omitted.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 13, in accordance with the present embodiment,there is the feature that the whole of a base member 152 of a pillargarnish 150 (the whole including a base portion 152A and a bag housingportion 152B) is constituted by a soft material such as an urethane,TPO, perplene material or the like.

[0192] In accordance with the above-described structure, when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded so that a predetermined expanding pressureis applied to the bag housing portion 152B of the pillar garnish 150,the bag housing portion 152B is elastically deformed with no trouble andunfolded since the whole of the base member 152 is formed by a softmaterial. As a result, also in accordance with the present embodiment,it is possible to even more effectively prevent the pillar garnish 150from scattering when the bag front portion 16D is expanded.

[0193] [Eighth Embodiment]

[0194] An eighth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 14 to 18. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0195] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, thereis a feature in that a band-like strap 164 is inserted into a basemember 162 of a pillar garnish 160 by insert molding. As shown in FIG.14, the strap 164 is inserted along a longitudinal direction of thepillar garnish 160. Further, as shown in FIG. 15 which is a horizontalcross sectional view of the pillar garnish 160, the strap 164 isinserted only within a base portion 162A of the base member 162. Themounting seat 66 mentioned above is integrally formed on the backsurface of the base portion 162A, and the base member 162 is fixed tothe pillar inner panel 34 through the mounting seat 66 by means of theclip 68. Further, as shown in FIG. 16 which is a vertical crosssectional view of the pillar garnish 160, an upper end portion 164A ofthe strap 164 is extended from an upper end portion of the base member162 and is fixed to a portion close to the upper end portion of thepillar inner panel 34 by means of a bolt 166 and a nut 168. Further, alower end portion 164B of the strap 164 is extended from a lower endportion of the base member 162 so as to be folded, and thereafter, isfixed to a portion close to the lower end portion of the pillar innerpanel 34 by means of the bolt 166 and the nut 168. In this case, thestrap 164 mentioned above may be made of a metal or made of a resinhaving a high rigidity.

[0196] In accordance with the structure described above, the band-likestrap 164 is inserted into the base member 162 of the pillar garnish 160by insert molding, and the upper end portion 164A and the lower endportion 164B of the strap 164 are fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 bymeans of the bolt 166 and the nut 168. Therefore, it is possible toincrease the supporting strength against the pillar inner panel 34 ofthe pillar garnish 160. Accordingly, even when the clip 68 is out ofplace from the pillar inner panel 34 at a time when the bag frontportion 16D is expanded so that the bag housing portion 162B of the basemember 162 is unfolded, the pillar garnish 160 is securely supported tothe pillar inner panel 34 by the strap 164. As a result, also inaccordance with the present embodiment, it is possible to effectivelyprevent the pillar garnish 160 from scattering when the bag frontportion 16D is expanded.

[0197] In this case, in accordance with the present embodiment, thestructure is made such that the upper end portion 164A and the lower endportion 164B of the strap 164 are fixed to the pillar inner panel 34.However, the structure is not limited to this, and it suffices if theupper end portion 164A and the lower end portion 164B are fixed to thebody. For example, the lower end portion 164B of the strap 164 may befurther extended so as to be fixed to a cowl, or the upper end portion164A may be further extended so as to be fixed to the roof.

[0198] On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18,there is the feature that a strap 172 is disposed in each of an upperportion and a lower portion of a pillar garnish 170. The strap 172 isembedded only in a base portion 174A of a base member 174, and isembedded such that the widthwise direction of the garnish is thelongitudinal direction of the strap 172. Further, an end portion 172Aextending from the base member 174 of the strap 172 is fixed to theconvex portion 52 of the pillar inner panel 34 by means of the bolt 166and the nut 168. Also in accordance with this structure, the sameoperation and effects as those of the previously-described structure canbe obtained.

[0199] [Ninth Embodiment]

[0200] A ninth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 19 to 21. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0201] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, thereis the feature that a net 184 is bonded to a surface of a base member182 of a pillar garnish 180. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the net 184which is made of a metal or a rigid resin is bonded onto the surface ofthe base member 182 of the pillar garnish 180 along a surface directionthereof by means of an adhesive (not shown). With the net 184 bondedonto the surface of the base member 182, the outer skin 44 is coatedover the base member 182 and the net 184. Further, a band-like fixingpiece 184A is extended from each of the upper end portion and the lowerend portion of the net 184. These fixing pieces 184A are fixed to theupper end portion and the lower end portion of the pillar inner panel 34by means of the bolts 166 and the nuts 168, whereby the net 184 ismounted to the pillar inner panel 34 (refer to FIG. 21).

[0202] In accordance with the structure described above, the net 184 isbonded onto the surface of the base member 182 of the pillar garnish180, and further, the fixing piece 184A of the net 184 is fixed to thepillar inner panel 34 by means of the bolt 166 and the nut 168.Therefore, it is possible to increase the supporting strength againstthe pillar inner panel 34 of the pillar garnish 180 in the same manneras in the eighth embodiment described above. Accordingly, even when theclip 68 is out of place from the pillar inner panel 34 at a time whenthe bag front portion 16D is expanded so that the bag housing portion182B of the base member 182 is unfolded, the pillar garnish 180 issecurely supported to the pillar inner panel 34 by the net 184. As aresult, also in accordance with the present embodiment, it is possibleto effectively prevent the pillar garnish 180 from scattering when thebag front portion 16D is expanded.

[0203] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since the net184 is bonded onto the surface of the base member 182 so as to be fixedto the pillar inner panel 34, most of the expanding pressure at a timewhen the bag front portion 16D is expanded is transmitted to the pillarinner panel 34 through the net 184. Accordingly, it is possible tomanufacture the base member 182 of the pillar garnish 180 by using aneasily breaking material (a material conventionally used for the garnishsuch as PP, ABS or the like), and the degrees of freedom for selectingthe material can be increased.

[0204] In accordance with the present embodiment, the fixing piece 184Aof the net 184 is fixed to the pillar inner panel 34. However, thestructure is not limited to the same, and it suffices if the fixingpiece 184A is fixed to the body.

[0205] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, the structureis such that the net 184 is bonded onto the surface of the base member182 by means of an adhesive. However, the structure is not limited tothe same, and a structure of inserting by means of insert molding may beemployed.

[0206] [Tenth Embodiment]

[0207] A tenth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 22 and 23. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0208] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in accordance with the presentembodiment, a plurality of outer skin extending portions 192A, which areextended to a windshield glass 194 end from a front end edge of an outerskin 192, are integrally formed on the outer skin 192 of a pillargarnish 190. Each of the outer skin extending portions 192A is formed ina band shape, and is extended to the convex portion 52 along the surfaceof the pillar inner panel 34 of the front pillar 38 after being foldedover a back surface end of a base member 196. Then, the outer skinextending portion 192A is fixed to the convex portion 52 by means of ascrew 198, whereby the outer skin 192 is supported to the pillar innerpanel 34. Although not illustrated in this drawing, the mounting seat isalso formed on the base member 196 in the present embodiment, and isfixed to the pillar inner panel 34 by means of the clip.

[0209] In accordance with the structure described above, even when theclip is out of place from the pillar inner panel 34 at a time when thebag front portion 16D is expanded so that the bag housing portion 196Bof the base member 196 is unfolded, since the outer skin extendingportions 192A are fixed to the pillar inner panel 34, the pillar garnish190 is only unfolded toward the windshield glass 194 with the outer skinextending portions 192A serving as the center of rotation. As a result,also in accordance with the present embodiment, it is possible toeffectively prevent the pillar garnish 190 from scattering when the bagfront portion 16D is expanded.

[0210] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since thestructure is made such that a plurality of outer skin extending portions192A are formed on the outer skin 192 so as to be fixed to the pillarinner panel 34, the outer skin extending portions 192A can be firmlyfixed to the pillar inner panel 34. Accordingly, without increasing thenumber of special parts, it is possible to reliably prevent the pillargarnish 190 from being out of place from the pillar inner panel 34.

[0211] In accordance with the present embodiment, the pillar garnish 190is formed by the base member 196 and the outer skin 192, and thestructure is such that the outer skin extending portions 192A providedat the outer skin 192 serve as the hinge at a time of unfolding.However, present invention is not limited to the same, and may bestructured such that the pillar garnish is formed only by the basemember, and the portions extending toward the windshield glass 194 areprovided at the pillar garnish, so that the extending portions are fixedto the pillar inner panel 34 and an integral hinge is provided near theroot portions of the extending portions.

[0212] [Eleventh Embodiment]

[0213] A eleventh embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 24 through 28. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0214] A structure of mounting a pillar garnish 240 to a pillar innerpanel 34 which is a main portion of the present embodiment will bedescribed below.

[0215]FIG. 24 is an overall perspective view of the pillar garnish 240as seen from a surface side. FIG. 25 is a rear view of the pillargarnish 240. FIG. 24 is a perspective view, which is enlarged and viewedfrom the rear surface side, of only vicinities of upper and lower endportions of the pillar garnish 240, with the intermediate portionthereof not illustrated.

[0216] As shown in these drawings, a bridge 254 is integrally formedwith a base member 242 at a middle portion in a widthwise directionclose to the upper end portion and the lower end portion at the backsurface end of the pillar garnish 240. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 26, the bridge 254 is formed in a substantially C-shaped crosssection comprising a pair of leg portions 254A and a top portion 254B. Aband-like strap 256 is wound around each of the top portions 254B of thebridges 254 (hereinafter, this portion is referred as “a wound portion256A”). Further, a bolt insertion hole 258 is formed in each of both endportions 256B of the strap 256, and both the end portions 256B areoverlapped such that both of the bolt insertion holes 258 are coaxiallydisposed.

[0217] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, a fixing bolt 260 is inserted intothe bolt insertion holes 258 from the inner side of the vehicle cabin,and both the end portions 256B of the strap 256 are fixed to the pillarinner panel 34 by the fixing bolt 260 being screwed with a weld nut 262previously welded to the back surface of the pillar inner panel 34.

[0218] As a result, the pillar garnish 240 and the pillar inner panel 34are connected through the straps 256 disposed at the both end portionsin the longitudinal direction of the pillar garnish 240 (that is, at theupper end portion and the lower end portion). The longitudinal dimensionof the overlapped strap 256 is set to be a predetermined amount longerthan a distance between the bridge 254 of the pillar garnish 240 in anassembled state and a region for fixing to the pillar inner panel 34 (insuch a manner as to allow a predetermined amount of slack) (refer toFIG. 27).

[0219] In this case, the resin clip 68 (refer to FIG. 28) is integrallyformed on the back surface end of the above-described pillar garnish 240along the longitudinal direction thereof at a suitable interval. Thepillar garnish 240 is temporarily fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 bythese clips 68 being elastically engaged with the pillar inner panel 34.

[0220] Next, operation and effects of the present embodiment will bedescribed below.

[0221] Here, as described above, when the bag 16 is expanded, arelatively great bag expanding pressure is applied to the pillar garnish240 toward the inner side of the vehicle cabin. Accordingly, the clip 68temporarily fixing the pillar garnish 240 to the pillar inner panel 34comes out of place from the pillar inner panel 34, and the pillargarnish 240 separates from the pillar inner panel 34 toward the innerside of the vehicle cabin.

[0222] However, in accordance with the present embodiment, the bridge254 is formed at each of the widthwise direction the middle portions inthe vicinity of the upper end portion and in the vicinity of the lowerend portion at the back surface side of the pillar garnish 240, and thepillar garnish 240 and the pillar inner panel 34 are connected throughthe straps 256 wound around the bridges 254. Therefore, the pillargarnish 240 is securely supported to the pillar inner panel 34 by meansof the pair of straps 256 even when the clip 68 temporarily fixing thepillar garnish 240 is out of place from the pillar inner panel 34.Accordingly, the pillar garnish 240 does not separate from the pillarinner panel 34 due to the expanding pressure of the bag 16. As a result,it is possible to prevent the pillar garnish 240 from falling out intothe inner side of the vehicle cabin when the bag 16 is expanded.

[0223] Since the movement of the pillar garnish 240 separating from thepillar inner panel 34 is restricted at the time when the pair of straps256 are extended, the pillar garnish 240 does not float up to the innerside of the vehicle cabin more than a necessary amount.

[0224] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since thepillar garnish 240 can move apart from the pillar inner panel 34 untilthe pair of straps 256 are extended, the bag expanding space can beenlarged.

[0225] Moreover, in accordance with the present embodiment, since thestraps 256 are arranged at two portions, upper and lower portions, ofthe pillar garnish 240, the strap length can be shortened in comparisonwith the case of arranging a strap formed by one piece along thelongitudinal direction of the pillar garnish 240. Accordingly, the costcan be reduced.

[0226] In this case, in accordance with the present embodiment, thestructure is such that the bridges 254 are integrally formed on the backsurface of the base member 42 of the pillar garnish 240. However, thestructure is not limited to this, and the bridges may be attached to theback surface of the base member 42 at a later step. This point appliesas well to the embodiments described below.

[0227] [Twelfth Embodiment]

[0228] A twelfth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 29. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements asthose in the above-described embodiments, and description thereof willbe omitted.

[0229] As shown in the drawing, also in accordance with the presentembodiment, a bridge 270 is formed by a pair of leg portions 270A and atop portion 270B. In accordance with the present embodiment, concaveportions 272 recessed in a longitudinal direction of the bridge 270 (aninserting direction of the strap 256 in the above-mentioned embodiment)and in directions approaching to each other are respectively formed incenter portions of both longitudinal direction end portions of the topportion 270B of the bridge 270. A widthwise size of these concaveportions 272 is set to be a degree slightly larger than the widthwisesize of the strap 256.

[0230] In accordance with the structure described above, when the clip68 is out of place from the pillar inner panel 34 so that the pillargarnish 240 separates from the pillar inner panel 34 at a time when thebag 16 is expanded, the strap 256 is extended. In accordance with this,the bag expanding pressure acting on the pillar garnish 240 is directlyapplied to the longitudinal direction side end portion of the bridge 270through the wound portion 256A of the strap 256. In this case, if thepillar garnish 240 separated from the pillar inner panel 34 were totwist, there would be the possibility that the wound portion 256A of thestrap 256 would slide along the end edges of the longitudinal directionside end portions of the bridge 270 so as to be biased to the cornerportions thereof.

[0231] However, in accordance with the present embodiment, since theconcave portions 272 are formed in the center portion of the bothlongitudinal direction end portions of the top portion 270B of thebridge 270, the wound portion 256A of the strap 256 is biased (centered)within the concave portions 272. Accordingly, in accordance with thepresent embodiment, the wound portion 256A of the strap 256 is alwaysheld at the concave portions 272 at the center portions of bothlongitudinal direction end portions of the top portion 270B of thebridge 270. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stress fromconcentrating at the corner portions of the longitudinal direction sideend portions of the top portion 270B of the bridge 270, and accordingly,to prevent the bridge 270 from breaking.

[0232] [Thirteenth Embodiment]

[0233] A thirteenth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 30 and 31. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the twelfth embodiment described above, anddescription thereof will be omitted.

[0234] As shown in these drawings, in accordance with the presentembodiment, there is the feature that a plurality of oblong holes 282,284, 286 are formed in the top portion 280B of the bridge 280, which hasthe pair of leg portions 280A and the top portion 280B and which wasdescribed in the above twelfth embodiment. The oblong holes 282, 284 and286 are formed in such a manner as to be adjacent to the concaveportions 272 and such that the widthwise direction of the top portion280B is their longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the portion close tothe concave portion 272 at the top portion 280B of the bridge 280 isweakened. Here, in this case, the wound portion 256A of the strap 256 ispositioned in the concave portion 272 close to the portion in which theoblong holes 282 to 286 are formed.

[0235] In accordance with the structure described above, when the bag 16is expanded due to the operation explained in the above-describedtwelfth embodiment so that the pillar garnish 240 separates from thepillar inner panel 34, the wound portion 256A of the strap 256 iscentered at the concave portions 272 of the bridge 280 and is heldthereat.

[0236] Here, in the case that the load directly applied to the concaveportion 272 of the bridge 280 from the wound portion 256A of the strap256 is relatively great, a peripheral portion 288 between the concaveportion 272 and the oblong hole 282 adjacent thereto is plasticallydeformed (broken) at first, whereby energy can be absorbed. Further, inthe case that the operating load is great, a peripheral portion 290between the adjacent holes 282 and 284 is next plastically deformed,whereby energy is further absorbed. In the case that the operating loadis even greater, a peripheral portion 292 between the adjacent oblongholes 284 and 286 is next plastically deformed, whereby energy isfurther absorbed.

[0237] As described above, in accordance with the present embodiment,the peripheral portions 288 to 292 are plastically deformed in asuccessive manner in accordance with the magnitude of the operating loadapplied to the concave portion 272 of the bridge 280, so that the energyis absorbed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the whole of thebridge 280 from breaking.

[0238] In this case, in accordance with the present embodiment, thestructure is such that a plurality of oblong holes 282, 284 and 286 areformed in the top portion 280B of the bridge 280. However, the structureis not limited to this, and it suffices if an opening is provided.Accordingly, the structure may be such that small holes are arranged atpositions at which the oblong holes 282, 284 and 286 are formed.Further, the number of the formed opening is not always a plural number,and may be a single number.

[0239] [Fourteenth Embodiment]

[0240] A fourteenth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 32 to 34. The same reference numerals are given to the sameelements as those in the above-described embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 32, in accordance with the present embodiment,there is the feature that a bridge 304 is employed. The bridge 304 isformed by overlapping by integral molding an upper stage bridge portion302, which is formed by a pair of leg portions 302A and a top portion302B, on a lower stage bridge portion 300, which is formed by a pair ofleg portions 300A and a top portion 300B. The concave portion 272mentioned above is formed in each of the center portions of bothlongitudinal direction end portions of the top portion 300B of the lowerstage bridge portion 300 and the top portion 302B of the upper stagebridge portion 302.

[0242] In correspondence with this, as shown in FIG. 33, the woundportion of a strap 306 is separated into a first wound portion 306A anda second wound portion 306B. A bolt insertion hole 308 is formed in abase end portion 306C of the strap 306 and in each of front end portionsof the first wound portion 306A and the second wound portion 306B.

[0243] In accordance with the structure described above, as shown inFIG. 34, after inserting both of first wound portion 306A and the secondwound portion 306B between the top portion 300B of the lower stagebridge portion 300 and the top portion 302B of the upper stage bridgeportion 302, the first wound portion 306A is folded and wound outward tothe outer side (to the pillar inner panel 34 side) of the top portion302B of the upper stage bridge portion 302, and the second wound portion306B is folded and wound inward to the inner side (to the base member 42side) of the top portion 300B of the lower stage bridge portion 300.Then, with the base end portion 306C of the strap 306 being held betweenthe front end portion of the first wound portion 306A and the front endportion of the second wound portion 306B, each of the bolt insertionholes 308 is mutually overlapped with each other, and a fixing bolt 360is fastened to a weld nut 362 on the back surface of the pillar innerpanel 34.

[0244] When the structure is formed in this manner, the load acting onthe bridge 304 at a time when the bag 16 is expanded can be dispersed tothe top portion 302B of the upper stage bridge portion 302 from thefirst wound portion 306A or to the top portion 300B of the lower stagebridge portion 300 from the second wound portion 306B, respectively. Asa result, the bridge 304 is prevented from breaking.

[0245] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, since thebridge 304 is layered in plural stages, it is advantageous in that it isstrong against the load acting on the pillar garnish 240 in thedirection toward the interior of the vehicle cabin.

[0246] Still further, also in accordance with the present embodiment,since the structure of the twelfth embodiment described above isemployed, the first wound portion 306A and the second wound portion 306Bof the strap 306 can be centered.

[0247] In accordance with the present embodiment, the bridge 304 layeredat two stages is used. However, the structure is not limited to this,and it suffices that the bridge be layered in plural stages. In the casethat the bridge portion is layered in three or more stages, a number ofthe wound portions of the strap can be increased in accordance with thenumber of stages.

[0248] [Fifteenth Embodiment]

[0249] A fifteenth embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 35. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements asthose in the above-described embodiments, and description thereof willbe omitted.

[0250] In accordance with the present embodiment, there is the featurethat a lower stage bridge portion 310 formed by a pair of leg portions310A andatop portion 310B, amiddle stage bridge portion 312 formed by apair of leg portions 312A and a top portion 312B, and an upper stagebridge portion 314 formed by a pair of leg portions 314A and a topportion 314B are integrally formed so as to form a three-layered bridge316.

[0251] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, thethree-layered bridge 316 is used. However, as the strap itself, thestrap 306 having the first wound portion 306A and the second woundportion 306B shown in the fourteenth embodiment is employed.Accordingly, the concave portions 272 provided in the center portions ofthe both longitudinal direction end portions of the top portion 310B ofthe lower stage bridge portion 310 and the top portion 312B of themiddle stage bridge portion 312 are necessary. However, the concaveportions 272 provided in the center portion of the both longitudinaldirection of the top portion 314B of the upper stage bridge portion 314may be omitted.

[0252] In accordance with the structure described above, it is possibleto use the top portion 314B of the upper stage bridge portion 314 in thebridge 316 as the clip seat for the resin clip 68 for temporarily fixingthe pillar garnish 240 described in the above eleventh embodiment to thepillar inner panel 34. Accordingly, the structure is made simple incomparison with a case in which the mounting seat for the temporaryfixing means for temporarily fixing the pillar garnish 240 to the pillarinner panel 34 is separately and independently provided on the backsurface side of the pillar garnish 240. Accordingly, a productivity canbe improved, and costs can be reduced.

[0253] [Sixteenth Embodiment]

[0254] Next, some examples of structures in place of the above-describedconnecting structure between the strap and the pillar garnish will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 36 to 39. The same referencenumerals are given to the same elements as those in the above-describedembodiments, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0255] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 36, a metal lockplate 328 which is formed by a base portion 324 and a pair of extendingportions 324 is used. The base portion 324 is formed in a rectangularframe shape and has an oblong hole 322 into which a relatively shortstrap 320 can be inserted. The pair of extending portions 326 extendfrom the base portion 324 and separate into two branches from a middleportion to a front end portion. The pair of extending portions 326 arestructured so as to be capable of elastically deforming in directions ofapproaching to each other. Further, an outer surface of the extendingportion 326 is made a taper surface tapered toward a front direction. Anengaging portion 326A which can engage with the leg portion 254A of thebridge 254 is formed at an outer end portion at a side opposite theinserting direction of the extending portion 326.

[0256] The strap 320 is inserted into the oblong hole 322 in the baseportion 324 of the above-described lock plate 328, and is folded andoverlapped. Then, the fixing bolt 260 mentioned above is inserted intobolt insertion holes 330 coaxially formed on both end portions 320A ofthe strap 320, and is screwed with the weld nut 262 at the back surfaceside of the pillar inner panel 34, whereby both the end portions 320Awhich are the other end portion of the strap 320 are fixed in advance tothe pillar inner panel 34.

[0257] In accordance with the structure described above, as explainedabove, the other end portion of the strap 320 can be fixed in advance tothe pillar inner panel 34, and the lock plate 328 mounted to one endportion of the strap 320 is inserted into and engaged with the bridge254 at a time of assembling the pillar garnish 240. As a result,assembling operability to the pillar inner panel 34 of the pillargarnish 240 can be improved.

[0258] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 37, an anchorplate 338 formed by a main body portion 338A and a mounting portion 338Bis used. The main body portion 338A is formed in a substantiallyrectangular plate shape and has an oblong hole 334 into which a strap332 can be inserted. The mounting portion 338B projects from the mainbody portion 338A and has a bolt insertion hole 336 formed in the middleportion thereof.

[0259] After the strap 332 is inserted into the oblong hole 334 of theanchor plate 338 and is wound around the top portion 254B of the bridge254, both the end portions are fastened by sewing or adhesion or thelike, whereby the strap 332 is formed in a loop shape.

[0260] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 38, a pininsertion hole 340 is formed in the middle portion of the top portion254B of the bridge 254. Further, the strap 342 is formed as a single,belt-shaped member. A pin insertion hole 344 and a bolt insertion hole346 into which affixing bolt 260 is inserted are formed in both endportions of the strap 342.

[0261] One end portion of the strap 342 is inserted at the back surfaceside of the top portion 254B of the bridge 254, and the pin 348 isinserted into the pin insertion hole 340 of the bridge 254 and into thepin insertion hole 344 of the strap 342. Therefore, the insertion endportion is caulked, and one end portion of the strap 342 is therebyfixed to the top portion 254B of the bridge 254.

[0262] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 39, four resinprojections 350 are provided upright in advance from a predeterminedposition of the back surface of the pillar garnish 240. Then, after asingle strap 352 is folded at the middle portion so as to overlap in twolayers, a folded portion 352A is disposed between the projections 350adjacent in the widthwise direction of the pillar garnish 240, andfurther, the rectangular, flat-plate-shaped bridge plate 354 is insertedin the folded portion 352A. Small holes in which the projections 350 canbe inserted are formed at the four corners of the bridge plate 354. Theprojections 350 corresponding to the interiors of these small holes areinserted and thermally caulked. The bridge plate 354 is thereby mountedto the back surface side of the pillar garnish 240.

[0263] [Seventeenth Embodiment]

[0264] A seventeenth embodiment will be described below with referenceto FIGS. 40 and 41. This embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment,and in the description of the present embodiment, the same referencenumerals as those used in the eighth embodiment are given to the sameelements as those in the eighth embodiment, and description thereof willbe omitted. Further, the drawings used in the eighth embodiment will bereferred to as occasion demands.

[0265] Here, in the drawings, an arrow FR denotes a forward direction ofthe vehicle, an arrow UP denotes an upper direction of the vehicle andan arrow IN denotes an inner direction of the vehicle.

[0266] A pillar garnish 440 is not limited to a structure in which thebase member 162 is covered by the outer skin 44 as shown in FIG. 15. Forexample, a soft resin pillar garnish which is not covered by an outerskin may be employed.

[0267] As shown in FIG. 41, the band-like strap 164 is inserted into thebase member 162 of the pillar garnish 440 by insert molding, and thestrap 164 is inserted along the longitudinal direction of the pillargarnish 440.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 15, the strap 164 is inserted only within thebase portion 162A in the base member 162 of the pillar garnish 440. Themounting seat 66 is integrally formed with the back surface of the baseportion 162A, and the base member 162 is fixed to the pillar inner panel34 through the mounting seat 66 by means of the clip 68.

[0269] As shown in FIG. 16, the upper end portion 164A of the strap 164is extended from the upper end portion of the base member 162 and isfixed to the portion close to the upper end portion of the pillar innerpanel 34 by means of the bolt 166 and the weld nut 168. Further, afterthe lower end portion 164B of the strap 164 is extended from the lowerend portion of the base member 162 and folded, it is fixed to theportion close to the lower end portion of the pillar inner panel 34 bymeans of the bolt 166 and the weld nut 168. The strap 164 may be made ofa metal, or a resin having a high hardness. The structure describedabove is the same as that of the eighth embodiment.

[0270] Next, as shown in FIG. 40, an insertion portion 464 is formed inthe lower portion of the pillar garnish 440. An opening portion 466,into which the insertion portion 464 of the pillar garnish 440 isinserted, is formed in the insert 422A of the instrument panel 422.

[0271] Further, a notch 468 serving as an engaging portion is formed ina side wall portion close to the rear end of the vehicle in theinsertion portion 464 of the pillar garnish 440. The pillar garnish 440can be inclined at a predetermined angle substantially toward the rearportion of the vehicle from a normal assembly position (the positionshown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 40) by engaging the notch 468with an edge portion of the opening portion 466, so that the lower endportion 164B of the strap 164 can be temporarily placed at the inclinedposition (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 40) at which thelower end portion 164B can be fixed to the pillar inner panel 34.

[0272] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be describedbelow.

[0273] In accordance with the present embodiment, the notch 468, whichis formed in the inserting portion 464 disposed in the lower portion ofthe pillar garnish 440, is hooked on the edge portion of the openingportion 466 in the insert 422A of the instrument panel 422. The pillargarnish 440 is temporarily placed at the inclined position (the positionshown by the solid line in FIG. 40) at which it is inclined at apredetermined angle substantially toward the rear of the vehicle fromthe normal assembly position (the position shown by the two-dot chainline in FIG. 40). In this inclined state, for example, the lower endportion 164B of the strap 164 is fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 bymeans of the bolt 166.

[0274] As a result, because it is possible to temporarily place thepillar garnish as described above, by changing the shape of the simplepillar garnish 440 in which the insertion portion 464 having the notchis formed in the lower portion of the pillar garnish 440, at the time ofassembly, a worker need not hold the pillar 440 with one hand in avicinity of an assembly position of the front pillar portion 20 (seeFIG. 2). The worker can position the lower end portion 164B of the strap164 and the bolt 166 by one hand, and can easily fasten the bolt 166 bya tool 470 with the other hand. Therefore, the assembly workability ofthe pillar garnish 440 can be greatly improved.

[0275] In the above description, one embodiment has been described indetail. However, it is apparent for those skilled in the art that thepresent embodiment can be modified in various ways. For example, inaccordance with the present embodiment, the notch 468 corresponding tothe engaging portion is formed in the vehicle rear-side side wall,portion of the inserting portion 464 of the pillar garnish 440. However,the position of forming the engaging portion in the inserting portion464 is not limited to the vehicle rear-side side wall portion, and theengaging portion maybe formed at another portion such as the vehiclefront-side side wall portion. Further, the engaging portion is notlimited to the notch 468, and a bending portion, a convex portion or thelike may be employed. Still further, in accordance with the presentembodiment, the structure is such that the upper end portion 164A andthe lower end portion 164B of the strap 164 are fixed to the pillarinner panel 34. However, the structure is not limited to this, and itsuffices for the upper end portion 164A and the lower end portion 164Bto be fixed to the body. For example, the lower end portion 164B of thestrap 164 may be extended so as to be fixed to the cowl, or the upperend portion 164A may be further extended so as to be fixed to the roof.

[0276] [Eighteenth Embodiment]

[0277] A eighteenth embodiment of a structure of arranging an vehicleoccupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle in accordancewith the present invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 42 to 44. The same reference numerals as those used in the firstembodiment are given to the same elements as those in the firstembodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0278] A pillar garnish 532 of the front pillar portion 20 is made of aresin or a fiber laminated member generally used for a roof base memberfor an automotive vehicle. The pillar garnish 532 is formed by a basemember 544 formed by a non-breaking member such as TPO or the like, thatis, a resin material which is easily elastically deformed and hard to bebroken, and an outer skin 548 covering a surface of the base member 544(a surface inside the vehicle cabin). The end portion of the garnish 532is elastically engaged with the opening weather strip 39.

[0279] Further, a rear portion 532A of the garnish 532, which isunfolded toward an inward portion of the vehicle cabin at a time whenthe bag is unfolded, is disposed inside the vehicle cabin at apredetermined interval with respect to the pillar inner panel 34,whereby a predetermined rear space portion 550 is formed between thegarnish 532 and the pillar inner panel 34. The front portion 16D (referto FIG. 2) of the bag 16, which is folded in a rectangular crosssectional shape by a predetermined folding method, is housed within therear space portion 550 together with the case 26 which is unfolded by apredetermined expanding pressure. The fin-like bag fixing portion 16Eand the case fixing portion 26A are integrally formed at the frontportion 16D of the bag 16 and a suitable portion of the case 26, and thebag fixing portion 16E and the case fixing portion 26A are structured soas to be fixed to the pillar inner panel 34.

[0280] The front portion 532B of the garnish 532 is disposed inside thevehicle cabin at a predetermined interval with respect to the pillarinner panel 34, whereby a predetermined front space portion 556 isformed between the front portion 532B of the garnish 532 and the pillarinner panel 34. The front space portion 556 is used as a space forplacing a drain hose or a wire harness. The thickness of the rearportion 532A of the pillar garnish 532 is made thinner than thethickness of the front portion 532B, so that the rear portion 532A ofthe pillar garnish 532 may be more easily unfolded.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 43, a rectangular concave portion 558 is formedon a design surface of the middle portion in the longitudinal directionof the garnish 532, and a cap 576 is fitted into the concave portion558. In this case, a logo such as “SRS AIR BAG” or the like is expressedon the design surface of the cap 576.

[0282] The cap 576 and the concave portion 558 are respectively disposedin vicinities of both of the upper and lower end portions (both endportions in the longitudinal direction) of the garnish 532.

[0283] As shown in FIG. 42, the concave portion 558 of the garnish 532is fixed to the pillar inner panel 34 through the cylindrical resinspacer 562 by means of a bolt 572 and a weld nut 574 serving as fixingmembers. Accordingly, the garnish 532 is directly fixed to the pillarinner panel 34 by means of the bolt 572 without the invention of theclip or the like, and a head portion 572A of the bolt 572 is housedwithin the concave portion 558. Further, a flange portion 572B is formedon the head portion 572A of the bolt 572, and the cap 576 is fixed byengaging an engaging hook 576B of the cap 576 with the flange portion572B.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 44, a connecting portion 578 serving as afall-out preventing means for connecting the cap 576 and the base member544 of the pillar garnish 532 is integrally formed on the back surfaceof the cap 576. The connecting portion 578 is formed in a band shape,and a front end portion thereof is a T-shaped engaging portion 578A.

[0285] As shown in FIG. 42, the connecting portion 578 is inserted intoa notch 580 formed in the concave portion 558 of the garnish 532, andthe engaging portion 578A is set to have a dimension capable of engagingan outer peripheral portion of the notch 580. Accordingly, in the caseof inserting the engaging portion 578A into the notch 580, it isnecessary to elastically deform the connecting portion 578 and directthe engaging portion 578A disposed in the front end toward the notch580. However, in the case in which the cap 576 is out of place from theconcave portion 558, the engaging portion 578A engages with the outerperipheral portion of the notch 580, so that the cap 576 is preventedfrom falling out from the garnish 532.

[0286] Next, operation of the eighteenth embodiment will be described.

[0287] In accordance with this eighteenth embodiment, since the basemember 544 of the pillar garnish 532 is formed by a non-break materialsuch as TPO or the like, the pillar garnish 532 is not easily deformedand broken when the bag is unfolded. Further, since the base member 544of the pillar garnish 532 is directly fixed to the pillar inner panel 34through the spacer 562 by means of the bolt 572 and the nut 574, thepillar garnish 532 is prevented from being out of place from the pillarinner panel 34.

[0288] Further, in accordance with the eighteenth embodiment, even inthe case that the cap 576 is out of place from the pillar garnish 532when the bag is unfolded, the engaging portion 578A of the connectingportion 578 formed on the cap 576 is engaged with the outer peripheralportion of the notch 580, so that the cap 576 is prevented from fallingout from the garnish 532 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 42.Further, due to the cap 576, the bolt 572 is not exposed so that theouter appearance can be improved.

[0289] [Nineteenth Embodiment]

[0290] Next, a nineteenth embodiment will be described below withreference to FIGS. 45 and 46.

[0291] The same reference numerals are given to the same elements asthose in the eighteenth embodiment, and description thereof will beomitted.

[0292] As shown in FIG. 45, in accordance with this nineteenthembodiment, an engaging pin 582 serving as engaging means is disposed atthe pillar garnish 532 end. A large diameter portion 582A formed in oneend portion of the engaging pin 582 is fixed by insert molding to aportion corresponding to the concave portion 558 of the eighteenthembodiment in the base member 544. A small diameter portion 582C isformed near the other end portion 582B of the engaging pin 582. Theother end portion 582B is engaged with a peripheral edge portion of amounting hole 584 which serves as an engaging means and is formed in thepillar inner panel 34.

[0293] As shown in FIG. 46, the mounting hole 584 is formed by a largediameter portion 584A through which the other end portion 582B of theengaging pin 582 passes, and a small diameter portion 584B serving as anengaging force increasing portion and extending to a longitudinal centerdirection (an arrow A direction in FIG. 46) of the pillar inner panel 34from the large diameter portion 584A. Accordingly, in the case that thepillar garnish 34 is bent at the longitudinal direction center portionso as to be formed in a substantial L shape when the bag is unfolded,the engaging pin 582 moves together with the pillar garnish 34 in thedirection of an arrow A in FIG. 46 with respect to the pillar innerpanel 34 so as to be disposed at the position shown by the two-dot chainline in FIG. 46, so that the engagement between the engaging pin 582 andthe pillar inner panel 34 is further strengthened. FIG. 46 shows thelower end mounting portion of the pillar garnish 532. However, in theupper end mounting portion of the pillar garnish 532, the engaging pin582 and the mounting hole 584 serving as the engaging means, and thesmall diameter portion 582C serving as the engaging means are similarlyprovided. However, the small diameter portion 582C extends to thelongitudinal center direction (a downward diagonal direction) of thepillar inner panel 34, that is, in an direction opposite to thedirection in FIG. 46 from the large diameter portion 584A.

[0294] Next, operation of the nineteenth embodiment will be describedbelow.

[0295] In accordance with the nineteenth embodiment, the other endportion 582B of the engaging pin 582 provided in the pillar garnish 532is inserted into the large diameter portion 584A of the mounting hole584 formed in the pillar inner panel 34 so as to be engaged with theperipheral edge portion of the small diameter portion 582C in themounting hole 584. The pillar garnish 532 can thereby easily be mountedto the pillar inner panel 536.

[0296] Further, the pillar garnish 532 is bent at the center portion inthe longitudinal direction so as to be formed in a substantial L shapewhen the bag is unfolded. The unfolding space for the bag 16 can beensured, and the bag 16 is smoothly unfolded along the side windowglass. Then, in the case that the pillar garnish 532 is bent at thecenter portion in the longitudinal direction so as to be formed in asubstantial L shape, the engaging pin 582 moves together with the pillargarnish 532 in direction of an arrow A in FIG. 46 with respect to thepillar inner panel 34 so as to be disposed at the position shown by atwo-dot chain line in FIG. 46, so that engagement between the engagingpin 582 and the pillar inner panel 34 is made more strong. As a result,the pillar garnish 532 can be prevented from being out of place when thebag is unfolded.

[0297] In accordance with the nineteenth embodiment, the engaging pin582 serving as the engaging means is disposed in the pillar garnish 532,however, in place of this, as shown in FIG. 47, the structure can bemade such that a large-diameter head portion 588A of the engaging pin588, which serves as the engaging means and is fixed to the pillar innerpanel 34 by means of the nut 586 or the like, is engaged with a slideprojection 590 which serves as the engaging means and stands uprightfrom the base member 544 of the pillar garnish 532. A slit 592, whichcorresponds to an engaging force increasing portion and into which ashaft portion 588B of the engaging pin 588 is inserted, is formed in anupper wall portion 590A of the slide projection 590. A width Wof theslit 592 gradually narrows from an opening portion 592A into which theshaft portion 588B is inserted in a normal state toward a bottom portion592B. As a result, in the case that the pillar garnish 532 is bent atthe center portion in the longitudinal direction so as to be formed in asubstantial L shape when the bag is unfolded, the slide projection 590moves together with the pillar garnish 532 in the direction shown byarrow B in FIG. 47 with respect to the engaging pin 588, so that theengagement between the engaging pin 588 and the slide projection 590 ismade strong. As a result, the pillar garnish 532 can be prevented frombeing out of place when the bag is unfolded. In FIG. 47, the upper endmounting portion of the pillar garnish 532 is shown.

[0298] Further, as shown in FIG. 48, the structure can be made such thatring-like flange portions 594B are formed at a predetermined intervalsin an axial direction on a shaft portion 594A of the engaging pin 594,which serves as the engaging means and is fixed to the pillar innerpanel 34 by means of the nut 586 or the like. The flange portion 594B isengaged with a slide projection 596 which serves as the engaging meansand stands upright on the base member 544 of the pillar garnish 532. Theslide projection 596 is formed by a U-shaped standing wall portion. Aninterval L between opposing wall portions 596A and 596B, which serves asan engaging force increasing portions with which the flange portion 594Bof the engaging pin 594 is engaged, is gradually made narrow from anopening portion 596C end, with which the flange portion 594B is engagedin a normal state, toward a bottom portion 596D end. Accordingly, in thecase that the pillar garnish 532 is bent at a center portion in thelongitudinal direction so as to be formed in a substantial L shape whenthe bag is unfolded, the slide projection 596 moves together with thepillar garnish 532 in the direction shown by arrow C in FIG. 48 withrespect to the engaging pin 594, so that the engagement between theengaging pin 594 and the slide projection 596 is made more strong. As aresult, the pillar garnish 532 is prevented from being out of place whenthe bag is unfolded.

[0299] Still further, as shown in FIG. 49, the structure can be madesuch that a cut claw 598, which serves as the engaging means and isformed at the pillar inner panel 34, is engaged with a slide projection599 which serves as the engaging means and stands upright on the basemember 544 of the pillar garnish 532. The slide projection 599 is formedby opposing vertical wall portions 599A and 599B, which serves as anengaging force increasing portions, and an upper wall portion 599C. Aninterval S between the vertical wall portions 599A and 599B, which areabutted by both side surfaces 598A and 598B of the cut claw 598, isgradually made narrow from an opening portion 599D end, with which thecut claw 598 is engaged in a normal state, toward an opposite openingportion 599E. Accordingly, in the case that the pillar garnish 532 isbent at the center portion in the longitudinal direction so as to beformed in a substantial L shape when the bag is unfolded, the slideprojection 599 moves together with the pillar garnish 532 in thedirection shown by arrow D in FIG. 49 with respect to the cut claw 598,so that an engagement between the cut claw 598 and the slide projection599 is made stronger. As a result, the pillar garnish 532 can beprevented from being out of place when the bag is unfolded. In thiscase, in place of the cut claw 598, a bracket may be used to form a clawwhich engages the slide projection 599.

[0300] In the above description, the eighteenth and nineteenthembodiments have been explained in detail. However, many other modifiedexamples of these embodiments are possible. For example, as a modifiedexample of the eighteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the structuremay be made such that a spacer portion 542 projects from the reversesurface of the base member 544 in the pillar garnish 532 by integralmolding, an iron plate collar 546 is press-fitted into the spacerportion 542, and a bolt 572 is inserted into the iron plate collar 546.Further, the structure may be made such that a portion to which the weldnut 574 of the pillar inner panel 34 is connected is projected towardthe pillar garnish 532, the projecting portion is brought into contactwith the pillar inner panel 34, and the garnish 532 and the pillar innerpanel 34 are directly fixed by the bolt 572. Still further, a structureof arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotivevehicle in accordance with the present invention can be applied to theother pillars such as a quarter pillar or the like.

[0301] [Twentieth Embodiment]

[0302] Next, a twentieth embodiment will be described below withreference to the drawings.

[0303] As shown in FIG. 51, a pillar garnish 620 is formed by adouble-layered construction comprising a base member 620 a and an outerskin 620 b made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin, polypropylene orthe like, and is formed in a long shape along the front pillar. Then,bridges 621, 622 and 623 having guide holes 621 a, 622 a and 623 aextending in a longitudinal direction of the pillar garnish 620 areformed in the base member 620 a on the reverse surface end. The bridges621, 622 and 623 are arranged near both ends and a center portion in thelongitudinal direction of the reverse surface end of the pillar garnish620. Further, clips 624 are mounted to the bridges 621 and 623 by usingfitting and mounting portions 621 b and 623 b.

[0304] The clips 624 are provided at the pillar inner panel 34. Togetherwith engaging holes 605 (refer to FIG. 52) into which the clips 424 areinserted and engaged, the clips 624 form an engaging and attaching meansfor detachably engaging and attaching the pillar garnish 620 to thepillar inner panel 34.

[0305] Further, a single strap 626 is inserted within the guide holes621 a, 622 a and 623 a of the respective bridges 621, 622 and 623. Thestrap 626 is formed by a fabric material having flexibility and hightensile strength and made of a polyamide fabric, an aramid fabric or thelike. A mounting hole 626 a is formed in both ends thereof. The strap626 is fastened to the pillar inner panel 34 by means of a bolt 627screwed with a mounting hole 603 (refer to FIGS. 52 and 53A) formed by ascrew hole of the pillar inner panel 34 through themounting hole 626 a.The positions at which the mounting holes 603 are disposed are invicinities of the both ends of the pillar garnish 620 at a time ofengaging and attaching the pillar garnish 620 to the pillar inner panel34 by using the clips 624. Further, a length of the strap 626 is set tobe a length of forming an opening 629 (refer to FIG. 53B) through whichthe bag 16 can protrude an inside portion of the vehicle between thepillar garnish 620 and the pillar inner panel 34 when the clips 624 comeout from the locking holes 605 by being pressed by the expanding bag 16and the pillar garnish 620 separates from the pillar inner panel 34.

[0306] Next, mounting of the pillar garnish 620 to the pillar innerpanel 34 will be described below.

[0307] One end side of the strap 626, which is inserted through each ofthe guide holes 621 a, 622 a and 623 a of the pillar garnish 620, isfastened to the pillar inner panel 34 by using the bolt 627. The otherend side of the strap 626 is fastened to the pillar inner panel 34 byusing the bolt 627. At this time, as shown in FIG. 52, the strap 626 hasa length with leeway which allows formation of the opening 629 throughwhich the air bag 16 protrudes, and has a length which is different fromthe length needed only for mounting the pillar garnish 620 to the pillarinner panel 34. Therefore, the pillar garnish 620 can be moved in such amanner as to shift from the mounting hole 603 (the left mounting hole inFIG. 52) so as not to interfere with a jig for fastening the bolt 627,so that the fastening operation can be performed simply. Particularly,since the distance for shifting is a distance 2L, which is about twotimes a distance L allowing formation of the opening 629 (refer to FIGS.52 and 53B), the fastening operation for the strap 424 can befacilitated even more.

[0308] Thereafter, when the clips 624 are inserted in and engaged withthe engaging holes 605, the pillar garnish 620 can be mounted to thepillar inner panel 34.

[0309] When the gas for expansion is discharged from the inflator 14 sothat the bag 16 is expanded at a time of operating the air bagapparatus, the pillar garnish 620 is pressed by the bag 16, the clips624 comes out from the engaging holes 605, the pillar garnish 620separates from the pillar inner panel 34, and the bag 16 is projecteddownward from the separated opening 629.

[0310] The pillar garnish 620 is connected and held by means of thestrap 626 which is inserted through the guide holes 621 a, 622 a and 623a. Therefore, even when the bag 16 protrudes out, unnecessary scatteringcan be prevented.

[0311] As mentioned above, in accordance with the structure of mountingthe pillar garnish 620 of the present embodiment, even when thestructure is out of place from the pillar inner panel 34 at a time whenthe bag 16 is expanded, as mentioned above, the pillar garnish 620 canbe greatly shifted at the time of fastening the strap 626. Since theadhering jig or the like can be used freely and the fastening can beperformed simply, the mounting of the pillar garnish 620 can be madeeasy.

[0312] The pillar garnish 620 in accordance with the present embodiment,the bridges 621, 622 and 623 through which the strap 626 is inserted aredisposed near both ends and near the center portion at the reversesurface side of the pillar garnish 620. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 53Ato 53B, the stress can be dispersed when the pillar garnish 620 ispressed by the air bag 16 at a time when the bag 16 is expanded, so thatthe connecting strength between the strap 626 and the pillar garnish 620can be improved.

[0313] In order to further obtain the operation and effects mentionedabove, the number of the bridges may be further increased. On thecontrary, as shown in FIG. 54, one bridge 631 having a guide hole 631 amay be provided in such a manner as to extend from the portion close tothe center portion of the reverse surface side of the pillar garnish 630to the portion close to the both ends. Further, the bridge 631 may beseparated at the portion close to the center portion so as to form twobridges such that the interval therebetween is not wide. In any case,the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.Accordingly, as long as the bridge is disposed at the portions close tothe both ends and close to the center portion at the reverse surfaceside of the pillar garnish 620, the number thereof is not limited to thenumber of bridges used in the present embodiment. However, even when thebridges are provided only at two portions close to the both ends of thepillar garnish 620, or a bridge is provided only at one portion close tothe center portion, the corresponding effect can be expected.

[0314] Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, there isshown a case in which the clips 624 are provided at the pillar garnish620 side as the engaging and attaching means for releasably engaging andattaching the pillar garnish 620 to the pillar inner panel 34, and theengaging holes 605 into which the clips 424 are inserted and engaged areprovided in the pillar inner panel 34. However, the structure may bemade such that only an engaging leg 624 a portion (refer to FIG. 51) ofthe clip 624 which can be inserted in and engaged with the engaging hole605 is integrally formed at the pillar garnish 620. Further, conversely,the engaging hole may be provided in the pillar garnish 620, and theclip 624 and the locking leg portion thereof maybe provided at thepillar inner panel 34.

[0315] Still further, in accordance with the present embodiment,fastening by the bolt 627 is exemplified as the means for fastening theboth ends of the strap 626 to the pillar inner panel 34. However,fastening by a rivet or the like may be employed.

[0316] In accordance with each of the embodiments described above, asshown in FIG. 2, the structure has been made such that the air bagapparatus 10 is arranged along the roof side rail portion 28 from thefront pillar portion 20. However, the present invention is not limitedto this. For example, the structure may be made such that the air bagapparatus is arranged so as to extend from the front pillar portion 20via the roof side rail portion 28 and further extend to the quarterpillar portion 30 (that is, a structure for protecting the head portionof the vehicle occupant seated in the rear seat as well as protectingthe head portion of the vehicle occupant seated in the front seat).

[0317] Further, in accordance with each of the embodiments describedabove, the bag 16 is housed in the case 26. However, the structure maybe made such that the case 26 is omitted by wrapping the bag 16.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0318] As described above, the structure of arranging the vehicleoccupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle in accordancewith the present invention is useful as a structure of arranging thevehicle occupant protecting apparatus for protecting the vehicleoccupant in the automotive vehicle at a time when a predetermined highload is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body of theautomotive vehicle, and more particularly, is suitable for use in astructure of arranging the air bag apparatus in a vehicle body.

1. (Amended) A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle comprising: an inflator disposed ata predetermined region of a vehicle body and jetting a gas at a time ofside collision; a bag housed between a front pillar portion and a roofside rail portion in a folded manner, and expanded in a curtain mannerto beneath the roof side rail portion within a vehicle cabin by the gassupplied from said inflator; a pillar garnish which is formed by a trimmember disposed at a vehicle cabin inner side of the front pillarportion, and which extends along a longitudinal direction of the frontpillar portion so as to cover a portion of said bag housed in the frontpillar portion; and scatter preventing means provided at least one ofsaid pillar garnish and said bag so as to prevent said pillar garnishfrom scattering at a time when said bag expands, and capable of formingan opening for expansion of said bag between said pillar garnish and thefront pillar without breaking said pillar garnish.
 2. A structure ofarranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotivevehicle according to claim 1, wherein said scatter preventing means is anon-expanding portion of said bag which is positioned at a regioncorresponding to said pillar garnish at a time when said bag expands. 3.A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said scatter preventingmeans is an unfolding portion which is provided at said pillar garnishand is capable of unfolding such that the opening for expansion of saidbag is formed between an end portion of said pillar garnish and thefront pillar portion due to the unfolding portion unfolding around anintermediate portion in a widthwise direction of said pillar garnish asa hinge center.
 4. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 3,wherein the intermediate portion in the widthwise direction of saidpillar garnish is a weakened portion.
 5. A structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicleaccording to claim 3, wherein the unfolding portion is made thinner thanthe other portions of said pillar garnish.
 6. A structure of arrangingan vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicleaccording to claim 3, wherein said pillar garnish is formed so as toinclude a base member, which is positioned at a vehicle cabin outerside, and an outer skin, which is positioned at a vehicle cabin innerside of the base member, and the base member is formed by a resin whichis softer at one widthwise direction side of the pillar garnishwidthwise direction intermediate portion than at the other widthwisedirection side, the one widthwise direction side is the unfoldingportion.
 7. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 3, wherein saidpillar garnish is formed so as to include a base member, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin outer side, and an outer skin, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin inner side of the base member, and thebase member is separated into a first portion fixed to a pillar mainbody of the front pillar portion and a second portion forming theopening for expansion of said bag at a time when said bag expands, thefirst portion and the second portion are connected by a intermediatemember interposed between the outer skins or the outer skin and the basemember, and the second portion is made the unfolding portion.
 8. Astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 3, wherein said pillar garnish isformed so as to include a base member, said pillar garnish is separatedinto a base portion, which is fixed to a pillar main body of the frontpillar portion, and a bag housing portion, which houses said bag, and afront end portion of the bag housing portion is fixed to the pillar mainbody, a bag unfolding starting point region provided at the bag housingportion is a weakened portion, and a portion between said weakenedportion and a widthwise direction end portion of the housing portion inwhich the opening for expansion of said bag is formed is the unfoldingportion.
 9. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 3, wherein saidpillar garnish is formed so as to include a base member, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin outer side, and an outer skin, which ispositioned at a vehicle cabin inner side of the base member, and a wholeof the base member is formed by a soft material, whereby the unfoldingportion is formed.
 10. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 1,wherein said scatter preventing means is mounted to said pillar garnishalong the longitudinal direction thereof, and is provided with extendingportions respectively extending from both longitudinal direction endportions of said pillar garnish, and the extending portions are formedby a band-like strap fixed to a pillar main body of the front pillarportion.
 11. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein saidscatter preventing means has a predetermined strength, and is mounted tosaid pillar garnish along a surface thereof, and is provided withextending portions respectively extending from both longitudinaldirection end portions of said pillar garnish, and the extendingportions are formed by a net fixed to a pillar main body of the frontpillar portion.
 12. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 1,wherein said scatter preventing means has an extending portion providedat said pillar garnish and extending toward a window shield glass andfixed to a body of a pillar main body of the front pillar portion, andsaid scatter preventing means has a hinge portion provided at saidpillar garnish so as to form the opening for expansion of said bag. 13.A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said pillar garnish isdisposed so as to be separated from a pillar main body of the frontpillar portion by a predetermined distance toward a vehicle cabin innerside, and said scatter preventing means is provided with bridges, whichare provided in vicinities of both longitudinal direction end portionsat the reverse surface of said pillar garnish, and a strap, whichconnects said bridges and a predetermined region of said pillar mainbody and which has a distance longer than a distance between each ofsaid bridges and the predetermined region.
 14. A structure of arrangingan vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicleaccording to claim 13, wherein the strap is wound around the bridge, anda recess portion for centering a wound portion of the strap around thebridge is provided at an end portion of the bridge which is a regionfrom to which a load is directly applied to the bridge from the woundportion of the strap around the bridge when said bag expands.
 15. Astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the strap is woundaround the bridge, and at least one opening for absorbing an energy isprovided in a vicinity of an end portion of the bridge which is a regionto which a load is directly applied to the bridge from a wound portionof the strap around the bridge when said bag expands.
 16. A structure ofarranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotivevehicle according to claim 13, wherein in the structure in which thestrap is wound around the bridge, the bridge is layered in pluralstages, the wound portion of the strap is divided into plural portionsin accordance with the number of the plural stages, and the respectivedivisional portions of the wound portion are wound around the respectivestages of the bridge.
 17. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 13,wherein a mounting seat of a temporarily fixing means, for temporarilyfixing said pillar garnish to a pillar main body of the front pillarportion, is integrally provided at a region of the bridge opposing theopposing pillar main body of the front pillar portion.
 18. A structureof arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotivevehicle according to claim 13, wherein an engaging member capable ofengaging with the bridge is mounted to an end portion of the strap, andthe engaging member is engaged with the bridge so that the one endportion of the strap and said pillar garnish are connected to eachother.
 19. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein saidpillar garnish includes at least a base member, and said scatterpreventing means is the base member which is formed by a non-breakmaterial, and said structure of arranging a vehicle occupant protectingapparatus further comprises: a fixing member for directly fixing thebase member to a pillar main body of the front pillar portion; and a capmounted to a recess portion formed on a design surface of said pillargarnish, and covering a head portion of said fixing member.
 20. Astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 19 further comprising fall-outpreventing means for connecting the cap to said the member.
 21. Astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said pillar garnishincludes at least a base member, and said scatter preventing means isformed by the base member which is formed by a non-break material,engaging means for engaging the base member with a pillar main body ofthe front pillar portion, and an engagement force increasing portionprovided at the engaging means and enabling deformation of said pillargarnish in a direction in which engagement between the base member andthe pillar main body of the front pillar portion strengthened when saidbag expand.
 22. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein saidscatter preventing means comprises: engaging and attaching means forengaging and attaching said pillar garnish and a pillar main body of thefront pillar portion in such a manner that said pillar garnish can comeout of place from the pillar main body of the front pillar portion; abridge provided on at a reverse surface of said pillar garnish andhaving a guide hole extending through in a longitudinal direction of thefront pillar portion;, and a strap inserted through the guide hole so asto be supported by said pillar garnish, both longitudinal direction endportions of the strap being fixed to the pillar main body of the frontpillar portion, and the strap being set to a length of forming said bagprojecting opening when said bag is expands and the engagement andattachment between the pillar garnish and the pillar main body of thefront pillar portion is released.
 23. A structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicleaccording to claim 22, wherein the bridge is provided in vicinities ofboth end portions and in a vicinity of a longitudinal direction centerportion along the longitudinal direction of said pillar garnish.
 24. Astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said scatter preventingmeans is provided with a strap whose longitudinal direction centerportion is integrally formed with said pillar garnish along alongitudinal direction of said pillar garnish and whose bothlongitudinal direction end portions are apart from said pillar garnishand are fixed to a pillar main body of a front pillar portion, and thestructure of arranging a vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle further comprises: an inserting portion formed in avehicle front side end portion of said pillar garnish; an openingportion formed in an insert of an instrument panel and into which saidinserting portion is inserted; and an engaging portion formed at saidinserting portion, and due to said engaging portion engaging with anedge portion of said opening portion, said pillar garnish can betemporarily placed at a tilted position at which said pillar garnish istilted at a predetermined angle from a normal assembly position and anextending portion of the strap can be fixed to the pillar main body ofthe front portion.
 25. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupantprotecting apparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 1,wherein said pillar garnish covers a vehicle front side of said frontpillar portion and is formed by a vehicle front side support portion,which is disposed at a vehicle front side and is supported by the frontpillar portion, and an unfolding portion, which is disposed at a vehiclerear side and covers said bag and has one end continuous with saidsupport portion and another end which is a free end, and a boundaryportion between the support portion and the unfolding portion becomes ahinge for the unfolding portion when the bag expends, and the bagexpands from a portion between the free end and the front pillarportion.
 26. A structure of arranging an vehicle occupant protectingapparatus for an automotive vehicle according to claim 25, wherein saidbag is disposed in a space substantially defined by the unfoldingportion and the front pillar portion.
 27. A structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicleaccording to claim 25, wherein the support portion is fixed to the frontpillar portion with a space there between, and the free end of theunfolding portion is adjacent to the front pillar portion.
 28. Astructure of arranging an vehicle occupant protecting apparatus for anautomotive vehicle according to claim 25, wherein a rigidity of at leastone of the unfolding portion and the boundary portion is set to be lowerthan a rigidity of the support portion.
 29. A structure of arranging anvehicle occupant protecting apparatus for an automotive vehicleaccording to claim 25, wherein a thin portion having a recessed grooveshape is formed in the boundary portion.